July 6, 2015 – Proverbs 14:34

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34From the time that we understand right from wrong, we want to BE right.  It is much more difficult to DO right.  To DO right before the Lord is something that is not on our first agenda.Yet, pleasing-God-first people create a nation … under God, for God, with God and by God.  Then God is exalted in the nation.  Doing what is wrong causes pain and hurt and the fall of any nation.Man is the master justifier of his own actions and thoughts.  He does not forgive others for what he himself considers acceptable behaviors and thinking.  Man is blind to the reality of his own sin, until he comes face to face with the reality of God.  The reality of eternity, and the reality of sinfulness  creates  the need for light and holy living.But God weighs the heart. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. I Samuel 16:7b.  Oh, that we could look upon one another through the eyes of Jesus.  For He looks with love and forgiveness, waiting for us to choose to do right to one another.  For righteousness and justice are more acceptable than sacrifice to the Lord.  Worthy is the Lord!Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:2-3