When no one is looking and you are all alone, really, who are you?
Are you happy? Are you an angry and regretful person? Do you have secrets?
Are you pouring yourself into others and other-centered vs self-centered? Do you want more or are you content with what you have?
Who and what do you call Lord? What and who do you serve, yourself or God? Who do you love and treasure, yourself, God or others?
Who are you - really?
King Solomon wrote some proverbs which seem to be an odd arrangement of sayings, especially as you read them together.
He said “Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored. As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and never satisfied are the eyes of man.” (Proverbs 27:18-20 ESV)
Said another way; “If we work hard, you eat the fruit of your labor. If you work hard for the master, you will be honored by him.
Our heart will show others who we really are based on our actions and lifestyle.
And the place of the dead (Sheol - not hell) and destruction (abandon) will continue to happen to man. We all die and evil lives on.
And last, man will always keep seeing things he desires - we always want more and more and lust for things.
These traits show who we really are. So how should we live? And who should we become?
Life’s purpose, as God designed us is to have a relationship with Him. Thus the reason Christ said “love” (not obey) God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. (Matthew 22:37) Later, Christ said, “If you love me, you will follow my commands.” (John 14:15)
Love and what we love, drives our decisions and lifestyle.
Our other purpose in life is to love others as much as we love ourself. (Matthew 22:39) We were designed to share, care, minster, help, worship, and love other people.
When Christ gave these two most important commands, he knew we would love ourselves. Instead, he was directing us to love God and love others. Solomon knew we would fight against working hard, embrace selfishness and always want more.
Later, the Apostle Paul said “I have learned to be content.” (Philippians 4:11) Contentment is learned. It’s wise to pause and reflect on who we are. Who are we? Really?
GOD, help us to enjoy the blessings we have without always wanting more. You are enough. Having others around us is enough. Serving you and serving others is enough. Loving you and others are free and simple. Help us to stop and evaluate our life, our work, our love and help us to stop desiring more. Please bless us, protect us and help us see who we really are. IJNIP amen ♥️
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