DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Heart Trouble
by Judy Webb
The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God's sight. (Luke 16:14-15)
Chapter 16 verses 1–13 are words God is speaking to His disciples. There are still some things He wants them to know and understand. Then verse 14 reports, “The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at Him.” Some versions say they derided Him, mocked, turned up their noses. They were know-it-alls who actually knew nothing of God.
Then he said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.” (v15) (The heart: inner peace–the center of spiritual life.)
Think about this for a minute. What does this world honor? A good example for me is the yearly event called the Academy Awards. What this world honors? Really? I would be way off base if this award was all I had to boast on. In the grand scheme of things, this worldly award is meaningless. The appearance of righteousness doesn’t make one righteous.
Now, what do you honor? What do I honor? I never really thought about this much, but it is a good question to pose and consider. During this Lenten season, let’s think about this question. For too long, I was discontent. Wanting something I didn’t have or feeling I was missing out on something...I just didn’t know what. The Holy Spirit convinced me to seek contentment. After study and praying, I experienced a heart change and experienced peace.
I know that peace and contentment are a gift from God and something I now honor and appreciate as I strive for daily contentment.
PRAYER
Dear Lord,
Thank you for contentment in a world that is anything but. Give us hearts to seek after you and to listen to you. Wanting more and more is not healthy for our hearts. Come Holy Spirit, bring us peace and healthy hearts. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUDY WEBB
I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.
Great words to live by, Judy.