The Real You Is The Person In Your Thoughts

Read Proverbs 23:1-7.

This Scripture is set against the background of a state dinner where you are an invited guest. Everything seems to be cordial and you feel like relaxing and enjoying the occasion. For one thing, you are hungry and the table is loaded with good things. Perhaps, you also feel that if you are able to establish a friendly relationship with this ruler, you will benefit financially and may ultimately become rich. Underlying these thoughts is your conviction that you have thought the situation through and it is bound to work out. But none of these considerations is dependable as a basis for action. Verses 2 and 3 remind us that a hospitable atmosphere and good food are no proof of sincerity. The very opposite may be true!

There was company coming for dinner at a certain home. The guests were seated and all was in readiness. Mother looked at the five-year-old daughter and said, Dearie, you may say grace for us tonight. But Mommy, I don’t know what to say! she said. Oh, just pray what you’ve heard Mommy say, the mother replied. Out of those childish lips, then, came this prayer: O Lord, why do we have to have these people for dinner tonight?

The second warning deals with allowing the desire for riches to become the basis for dealing with others. Riches: you don’t have them, and you can’t keep them, so why let the desire for them influence your relationships?

Small thought here. The real you is the person in your thoughts. As he thinketh in his heart, so is he. All the more reason, then, to give God your body (Rom. 12:1), your mind (2 Cor. 10:5), and your work (Prov. 16:3). Your body, a living sacrifice; a mind that is obedient to Christ; and your works committed to your Lord, so He can establish your thoughts.

This devotional was written by Dr. Robert A. Cook. You can subscribe to his free email articles at Walk With The King Today and listen to his Spirit-filled 15-minute messages. Used with written permission.

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