I read Proverbs 15 today. Several themes run through this chapter: lies vs. truth, love vs. hate, wicked vs. pure, and “a merry heart is like a continual feast.” This chapter is filled to overflowing with revelations of the perfections of God! God is truth. God is love. God is holy. God is joy. Somehow, my flesh can begin to logically reason a different God and a different standard than the Bible reveals to me. Things like:

“one lie isn’t that big of a deal…”
“there is no way I can be fully holy so this is good enough…so I don’t have to yield so much…so I don’t have to deny my wants so much”
“I have earned the right to be grumpy and irritable today – everyone will just have to deal with it.”

All of these “logical” thoughts are lies – from beginning to end!

— One lie (sin) does matter and requires confession and repentance. (Proverbs 15:4; 28:13)

— The journey never ends this side of glory…I must continue to pursue a clearer reflection of the Lord (by His grace) until He comes. (Proverbs 15:9; I Peter 1:15-16)

— I have never earned the right to be grumpy and irritable – I am actually commanded to love others as God loves me! (Proverbs 15:13, 15; John 13:34-35)

It is good to regularly check my own thoughts and ideas with the truth of God’s Word…THE truth. It is interesting to realize that keeping God’s Word as my comparison and standard takes me away from selfish ways to a much more selfless, joyous life!