Proverbs 20:12
The hearing ear and the seeing eye-the LORD has made them both.
The profound simplicity of this verse!
How often we do not really listen to people. Yet the very purpose of our ears given by our loving Maker is to hear. (And oh the beauty of the birds singing as I write this.)
Practice really listening to people today to hear everything they say, mean, and need. Make it a point to not form a response until they are completely finished speaking. This is much harder than it sounds.
How often we fail to see the beauty all around us, yet the very purpose of our eyes, generously given to us by our lovely Creator, is to see.
Yesterday I was sitting outside enjoying the beauty of the day the Lord made, the wonderful testament that creation is to His greatitude. And I got watching those little helicopter seeds falling to the ground. They were quite amazing to me, each one falling with a spin of different speeds. They’re extremely calming and relaxing to watch. This one in particular spun so very slowly as it fell, almost as if it was in slow motion going against laws of physics. And I inadvertently, turrets-like blurted out, “NO WAY! NO WAY!” wondering in awe how it was spinning so slowly and yet, rhythmically. And I was filled with a keen sense of the majesty of God, knowing beyond all doubt He was responsible for this creative and wonderful action.
This came from just sitting with Him for a matter of minutes, watching and listening to Him thru what He has made in one tiny little area of the universe. Our eyes and ears are little appreciation receptors.
Let’s use them as such today.
Luke 6:35-36
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God, because he is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin. Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. [NCV]
He is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin, or “wicked”, as some translations read.
As God’s children, we should be the same.
How many times have I been that ungrateful person He has shown kindness to?
May this verse begin to change the way we relate to people today. May it humble us.
Do not grow weary in doing good. Just keep on being kind to those who give you nothing in return, including and especially, appreciation. Sometimes we get no acknowledgement for our good works. So what? Who are you doing it for? Hopefully for your Father who sees in secret.
Perform for an audience of One.
I am so guilty of wanting recognition for things I do. I have to fight and pray against it constantly. Sometimes it is good and necessary to set things up in such a way that someone else gets credit for something you had a bigger part in. The evil one would love nothing more than for me to take pride in my works. That only leads you away from YHWH because you quit acknowledging that it is Him who is responsible for every good work you do.
I can do nothing unless He put it in me first to do it.
Perform for an audience of One.