Deeper Life #245

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

—Proverbs 4:23

WE MUST LEARN TO HARNESS our impulses. Thank God, we have the power to do this. We have the ability to fix the form of our choices either for good or bad.

Impulsiveness brings no glory to God. If you suddenly feel you ought to give money to a poor man, and do it, what credit does that give to God? Much of that sort of giving is done to relieve our feelings, not to indicate real generosity. So God does not value our gifts of impulsiveness.

More meaningful are the gifts we offer because we have determined in our heart what to do. Giving that is governed by a fixed determination is blessed and approved by God. He holds us responsible for using or not using the power to choose voluntarily what we shall do.

Prayer Thought: Father, captivate my thoughts and motives. Make them acceptable in Your sight, I pray.

SUGGESTED READING: Proverbs 4:23–27