CWW Week 19 - Day 1 - Who Are You

Scripture

Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) 

 “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

Devotional

This verse highlights the idea that our true nature is revealed by our thoughts and intentions, rather than our outward expressions or actions. It serves as a reminder to look beyond superficial appearances and understand the deeper intentions and attitudes of others.

Welcome to another week of contemplation in God’s word. In day one I am compelled to ask you a pertinent question.

“Who do you think you are?”

Have you ever heard those words in an argument? In that context it often means; what right do you have to say that to me?

I must say that, in this context, it is not a phrase I hear often from those who truly know me and know my heart. I have heard it when I challenge those who don’t know me though. They have a right to be sceptical until they reach an understanding that aligns with the following scripture.

The phrase “By their fruits you shall know them” is from Matthew 7:16: “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?”

This teaching of Jesus emphasises that the true nature of a person is revealed through their actions and behaviour—often referred to as their “fruits.” It suggests that just as you can identify a tree by the kind of fruit it bears, you can recognise the character of a person by the outcomes and effects of their actions.

Its when we hear the phrase “who do you think you are” in the conflict context, that we need to have a sensible answer to the question. My answer today is this.

“I am the son of the living God and I am on a journey of discovery. I am a sinner saved by God’s infinite grace and I am learning to love as He does; unconditionally.”

If we respond in this manner to get one up on our opponent then we are not acting as we have described. But if we make this pronouncement out of a love to see a brother rise above his behaviour, then our motives reflect the character of Jesus and as such, should be visible in our methods. Notice in this paragraph the emphasis on opponent and brother.

As Dr Tim Jennings says; Truth is found when examining methods to understand motives. “For as he thinks in his heart so is he.” Sincerity indicates one persons value of another. It says that I care enough about you to give you the real me, straight from the heart. I am not doing this for personal gain or to curry favour but as a response from a heart that desires to serve.

Sincerity says “I am not here to take advantage of you.”

Sincerity also flows from a fountain of understanding about yourself. It comes from a deep sense of who you are, and sincerity is a character trait spotlighted by Jesus Himself in the sermon on the mount. In the Beatitudes Jesus promotes this quality in Matthew 5:8 when he said, “ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” A pure heart provides a motive, and sincerity becomes the method.

To see a global example of this we need only look at the recent pandemic. As an experimental treatment was hurried into the market, it was decided by a person or persons unknown to mandate that every person on the planet be inoculated. First, a great many claims about safety and efficacy were made without a proper foundation. . We were lied to. Then a massive fear campaign was implemented to frighten people into submission. We were conned. Then we were offered incentives like money or free fast food. We were bribed. Then were subjected to peer pressure by narratives supporting the notion that caution was selfish. We were bullied. Then we were threatened with loss of jobs and careers and total segregation from society in a new two tiered economy. We were coerced.

All of the above methods showcase the motivation behind this scenario. Our liberty of conscience was trashed and the astute, who recognised this, realised at some stage that these methods and motives were not being employed in our best interests. We are left now in the carnage, to ask ourselves this poignant question. Was this ever about health?

Lets look at a different approach based on a sincere appraisal of events unfolding. The system took a heart centred, others centred love look at the problem. A governing body of sorts would have gathered together a group of learned people to examine the situation. The first questions might have been. How big a problem is this virus? What is the survival rate? Based on a rational unbiased assessment to first understand the reality rather than computer modelling being the guide, the following problem solving model may have produced more profound outcomes.

 A strategy of teams being formed to tackle the impact from different perspectives might have been employed. One group to firstly look at what we have available now, in the medicine chest as it were, to save lives and ease the impact. No stone unturned this group drew together the best minds, without censorship to look at remedies already available. 

Another team would now be formed to look ahead at prevention and cure by examining new technologies to augment and support the work being done by the first team. Liaison between the two groups carefully managed to ensure integrity in the process, making sure that motives were sincere and conflicts of interests were fully transparent and understood.

Simple treatments may have been rolled out to ensure the well being of all, and care based on principles of first do no harm and informed consent would have been the frame in which the whole picture was presented.

Regular public briefings to instil hope and understanding may have enhanced public co-operation from a citizenry who could plainly see that the teams were working in the best interests of the population because motives were clearly not of profit and control. 

Statements providing honest outcomes based on sound information, instilling confidence in the people who would then move ahead to take the best actions for all the right reasons.

Leaders coming out in harmony pronouncing that this is a work in progress and these are the options and steps we recommend.

Methods and motives, based in sincerity, providing public confidence.

On a grand scale todays scripture of “for as he thinks in his heart so is he,” is seen to work with compassion and understanding in the second scenario.

In a world becoming more sceptical and untrusting with every passing day, we must always understand why so many people may well ask. “Who do you think you are?”

This week lets focus on the answer to this most telling of questions.

Questions.

1. Have you become what you behold or are you a “what you see is what you get,” kind of person.
2. Have you ever wondered what on earth you are here for?
3. Are you ready to let the character of Christ become your standard?

Prayer.

Dear Lord, Papa God.

I need to live into Your version of who I am. In a skeptical and untrusting world, my greatest desire is to be clear about my identity in You Papa. Please Lord grant me the strength and courage to walk unashamedly through this world with love and compassion, totally unashamed of my relationship with you is my prayer in Your most precious name. Amen.

Have a great day with Jesus.

Graham Hood.