Inspection

Sometimes it's really easy to get carried away with something that seems good. It crosses your path and it seems like it might be a really great thing. But often times, it is misleading and good judgement should always be made before setting your heart and mind on something. There are so many different kinds of people out there, it's important to know who you are and be able to discern whether or not people are trustworthy and good-hearted. We must inspect our relationships to make sure that they are good.

All relationships should do good for all that are involved, and should be aimed to glorify God. Whether it is between someone who knows Christ and doesn't know Christ, or between two Christians. In the first, the one who knows Christ can lead the other to Christ through living out the way Jesus lived. Then the friend will see what being in Christ is all about and perhaps will see the truth. That is my hope for my relationships with those who do not know Christ; I hope to be able to lead a good life, one that provokes them to think about why I believe in Christ and live the way I do. I hope that I will be able to glorify God through my relationships with those who do not know Him yet. Just being there to care for them, showing them God's love, maybe that's all they need.

If it is a relationship between two Christians, I would hope that they build each other up. Keep one another accountable and encourage each other. Spending time with each other, sharing hardships, and praying together are what makes relationships real. Knowing that you both are the same in that you strive to live the life that God has planned for us.

Then there are those relationships that are just harmful. They do not consist of truth and love. They are nothing but sharp rocks and cracks in the ground that try to keep you from growth. Those are the relationships that must be avoided.

Here are some tips from Proverbs 14

verse 6, "The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning."

verse 10, " Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy."

verse 12, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."

verse 13, "Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief."

verse 15, " A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps."

verse 30, "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."

verse 31, "He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honours God."

verse 33, "Wisdom reposes int he heart of the discerning, and even among fools she* lets herself be known."


*"she" is referring to Lady Wisdom

Proverbs is filled with so much wisdom and knowledge. One really needs to take their time meditating to really see how it speaks to them.