Proverbs Ponderings #2

Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. (ESV)

(NIV) –but motives are weighed by the Lord

            This is my second post in the Proverbs 16 series. I thought about this verse the past week. My goal is to post these on Sundays but yesterday was full with church, teaching Sunday school, and much needed encouraging conversations with several close friends. I was surprised at how much this verse encouraged me this week…caused me to check my motives, my heart, my attitude and to humbly thank Jesus for his sovereignty and plans. He really does know me better than myself. One thing that stood out was how my desire for clarity and direction is more often than not a result of pride and fear- that I *should* know where things are headed (relationships, job, Kenya) and the reality that I don’t and am not in control of at least half of the outcome of each of those things leads to fear, because all too often my hope is in those things instead of Jesus. Additionally, this first week in January is often one of “planning”, “re-evaluating”, goals, and this verse is a humble reminder that all our resolutions, plans, check lists, etc. are not the real issue- it’s our heart, not simply our behavior that Christ is after.

Insights from Others:

John Piper on Planning

            Planning is essentials. Planning helps us to look at our motives, to not just act on impulse but depend on grace.

            Careful planning is what makes us wise and productive.

This reminded me of “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, Steven Covey, and his analogy that life is like a jar where our time should be meted out with priorities- that the most important (rocks) should be scheduled first, then pebbles (needed things but not absolutely necessary), and finally, sand (optional things). Reverse the order (optional things) first fills up the jar with sand and the rocks and pebbles don’t fit. Prioritizing matters.

In addition, I read a wonderful article this week, 11 Things You Need to Know at 25 (ish)

            Which I actually used as a “template” on Friday for planning and prioritizing this month and the year over all. We must be intentional about taking time to seek God in our plans, to have community around you. One thing the article suggests is to take a day a month for rest and evaluating how the month went, what you tried, what decisions you made, what changes you would like to make, etc.

Personally, I hope to do this each month, it’s a practical way I can be intentional about “legacy living”.

Ultimately, our works do not save nor sanctify us; rather they are a result of it.  Knowing God “weighs my heart”, reveals His grace and the truth that I can never merit it. I am inherently sinful without his abundant grace. He weighs my heart, knows my motives, and loves me regardless.

This verse isn’t present to discourage, nor to immobilize; its purpose is to draw us to the cross in humility, to remind us of the infinite grace of God and his omnipotence. We must remember that “God graciously enables the conditions that He requires” Piper, Future Grace p. 235.