PROVERBS 15:4
Gentle words are a tree of life;
a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
Self-Deceipt
Some dear sensitive Christians get upset when they lie to cover up a surprise birthday party but live a lie every day unaware of their deceitfulness. Methinks we strain grounds out of our coffee while swallowing the coffee maker whole. I know I have.
To deceive means to turn something upside down; to give an opposite spin on something or someone than what is true. I’m dying inside but work hard to make sure everyone thinks I’m the most alive person in the office. I struggle with sin but am relieved to know that everyone at church views me as Saint Michael. I get out of bed the same way everyone else with one of these luxuries does (feet first!) but feed the persona of being a little better than the average joe.
I’m fascinated that the proverb contrasts a tongue that feeds upside down perceptions with a tongue that offers words that are gentle, literally healing. Could it be that refusing to pretend to be something I’m not is like picking life-giving fruit off the tree and offering to others? Could it be that my risk of honesty and transparency actually feeds life in others while my deception – often self-deception – feeds death?
Word of God, you sought to reveal yourself by entering my world and you call me to live in light rather than shadows. Grant that I would live as transparent as Jesus did and that such honesty would release others to be honest about themselves. And that we both would find healing and health in you. – Mike Leamon
PROVERBS 15:17
“A bowl of vegetables with someone you love
is better than steak with someone you hate.”
Bring on the veggies!
How many times do I pursue wealth at the expense of relationships? Probably more than I would like to admit. I don’t feel like I chase after money, but I do work hard and often spend more time at work than I do with my spouse. Over time my marriage suffers. This happened last fall. I was teaching two courses via a translator and writing all the materials for the class since reading materials were non-existent. During this time our church was in the middle of a capital campaign in addition to the regular fall and winter activities. I was spending so much time at church I began neglecting my wife.
It happens so subtly, we say yes to good things but do not say “no” to anything we were previously doing. One more layer of responsibility is added to our work load creating more distance in our most important relationships. When we accumulate riches in one area of our lives, other areas will suffer. If you value relationships first, your bank account will suffer as you have less time for work. If you value money most, your relationships will suffer as they are put aside for the pursuit of money.
Balance is essential, but an understanding of what is most important in my life is the only way I can achieve a balance. If left to itself, my schedule will slowly fill with activity that precludes time with my wife. So bring on the vegetables for me, and occasionally we will even have steak.
Abba Father, you created me for relationship with you and others. Help me to balance my schedule today so my relationships are enhanced and my work is accomplished. – Dan Jones
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