MIRROR OF THE HEART
By Greg Hooker
“As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.” - Proverbs 27:19
Just as gazing into the mirror-like qualities of a still water-pool reflect the detailed features of a man's face, so the standards and qualities residing deep within a heart, reflect a man's character and display the innermost calibre of his soul. Just as we are enabled to study the physical characteristics of our facial features through the mirror-image, reflected in a clear standing-pool of water, so an examination of the inner thoughts of the heart gives a reliable indication of our spiritual standing - or perhaps uncovers a hypocritical facade.
God alone knows a man's heart and can read the secret thoughts in the inner depths of his soul, but it is the outworking of those concealed attributes, which are demonstrated through words, actions, and attitudes, that manifests a man's true identity to his fellow-man.
Reverence and respect towards our heavenly Father, a Christlike love towards others, and inner peace, is often identified through the godly works, pure thoughts, and sound speech, that flows through our daily life. It is the inner heart that identifies a life that is walking in spirit and truth. It is careless speech, a critical attitude, thoughtless behaviour, and an unrighteous lifestyle that warns us that we have fallen from grace and strayed from the path of peace. Corrupt hearts breed corruption, while a sanctified heart exhibits Christ-likeness..
By Greg Hooker
“As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.” - Proverbs 27:19
Just as gazing into the mirror-like qualities of a still water-pool reflect the detailed features of a man's face, so the standards and qualities residing deep within a heart, reflect a man's character and display the innermost calibre of his soul. Just as we are enabled to study the physical characteristics of our facial features through the mirror-image, reflected in a clear standing-pool of water, so an examination of the inner thoughts of the heart gives a reliable indication of our spiritual standing - or perhaps uncovers a hypocritical facade.
God alone knows a man's heart and can read the secret thoughts in the inner depths of his soul, but it is the outworking of those concealed attributes, which are demonstrated through words, actions, and attitudes, that manifests a man's true identity to his fellow-man.
Reverence and respect towards our heavenly Father, a Christlike love towards others, and inner peace, is often identified through the godly works, pure thoughts, and sound speech, that flows through our daily life. It is the inner heart that identifies a life that is walking in spirit and truth. It is careless speech, a critical attitude, thoughtless behaviour, and an unrighteous lifestyle that warns us that we have fallen from grace and strayed from the path of peace. Corrupt hearts breed corruption, while a sanctified heart exhibits Christ-likeness..