I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:10 (KJV).

REFLECT:
As living, breathing, thinking humans, we are characterized by our intentions, and our intentions in themselves are an expression of our thought patterns and the conditions of our hearts, which are eventually manifested through our actions. The Bible explains this mystery in Proverbs 23:7a ‘For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.’

Therefore, there is a connection between the state of our hearts, our thought patterns, or intentions, and actions, and all three sum up our character.

Furthermore, the kind of character we have on display will determine how much or to what extent we can succeed in the issues of life. Simply put, whatever we sow will be what we also reap. Galatians 6: 7-9.

Hence we have to give serious attention to how we express our character and take responsibility for it. Our Bible verse for today convicts and compels us to take heed of our thoughts, intentions, and actions, because there is one- God Almighty who sees, knows, and examines our hearts, every thought, the intention that goes through our minds, and the actions we put on display whether they are good, bad, deceptive, pretentious, phony, honest, sincere, trustworthy, etc. This is quite scary, as well as amazing, to think that nothing can be hidden from God.

Moreover, we are also made to understand from this Bible verse that God is the only one who has the sole right(s) to mete out a deserving verdict against all the aspects of our character traits or actions. His Verdicts are followed with the appropriate rewards meted out for the character traits we display.

So how do we possess and exhibit character traits that would yield a good reward? The answer is for us to consciously align our thoughts, intentions, and actions with God’s recommended and prescribed ways. God’s ways are not hidden, they are written in His Word in the Bible and made available for everyone who wants to be informed.

As we dig deep into the Word of God in the Bible, we pave a way for real character adjustments and transformation in line with God’s Purposes to take place.

Ebimobo W. Obasi

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

Change My Ways

FATHER GOD, I cannot fool or escape You—You know my thoughts and intentions. You understand the complexities of my character, and You’re not shocked by my actions or motives. So please align my heart and actions with Your Word because I want to please You. Refine me and change the way I think and act. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME AMEN.