Proverbs 27:19-21
19 As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person. 20 Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied. 21 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.
It bears repeating…I love Proverbs! After reading this passage today, I could not stop thinking about the true measure of a Christian. What is the one thing that puts a bitter taste in a seeker’s mouth when conversing with a believer? The answer, for me, is very transparent. A seeker has a keen sense of identifying fakes or hypocrites! The one thing believers hear over and over again is that we say one thing but demonstrate another through our actions, words, and gifts. This is not acceptable dear friends!
Our model is Jesus Christ who demonstrated the purest of consistency. How do you measure up? No, we aren’t perfect; however, we are instructed to live pure and blameless lives. We are to shine like the stars in the sky (Philippians 2:15). How can we attract others to the cross when we are their main stumbling blocks?
In the passage above, it states that the heart reflects the real person just as a face is reflected in water. That verse alone is breathtaking. If you find your heart cold, dark, and judgmental, you may need deliverance! If you find yourself prideful and conceited, you most certainly need to humble yourself before Father God and confess your sins at His altar of forgiveness.
In verse 21, a good measure of pride is how you handle being praised! If you thrive or even insist on being praised for your contributions, actions, or results, your heart does not coincide with the principles taught in the Word as Christ came to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28). How can we elevate ourselves above Christ? – we cannot! We are quite familiar with another being who attempted to elevate himself above the Father and he is now condemned for all eternity. Yet, in the meantime, his entire purpose is to ruin your life…simply put my friends! Not only does Satan want to ruin your life, he will not be satisfied unless he can steal, kill, and destroy those around you or associated with you too…so today we say, ENOUGH! We are not elevated above God, and we humbly submit ourselves to His will.
Thought: What will your heart reflect? What is your true measure?
Thankful,
Christian Armetta
My Deliverer 
Great word! Your post reminded me of the scripture, Micah 6:8, “what does the Lord require of us? To live justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with your God!”
Although, this appears to be a lofty goal or an impossible feat, God has given His Spirit to will and to do His good pleasure!
“By His Divine power, God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to glory and virtue.” 2 Peter 2:3
This text goes on to say, “we have been given exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these we may be partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (Lust of the flesh, lust of the eye and the pride of life which are polar opposites of Mich 6:8.
We are equipped as well as called to be fruit bearing vessels of God for His glory and our good!
Thank you for sharing a timely message my brother!
Blessings,
Rita
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