Always Aware

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
ALWAYS AWARE
Prov 6:12-15
12 A scoundrel and villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, 13 who winks with is eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, 14 who plots evil with deceit in his heart — he always stirs up dissension. 15 Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed — without remedy.
NIV
It doesn’t take much to start a rumor about someone, a rumor of ill report especially. I think that even without the use of my mouth I can indicate by the expression of my face a certain disregard for an individual when their name is mentioned in the course of a conversation. The question I think which is posed here is if doing that is on purpose, with design to create a mode of doubt regarding that person’s character or relationship with Christ. It would seem to me it is easy enough to do and that would then also be thinking more of me then I should. I think whenever by design, with purpose, with intent in my heart to cause harm in this way about someone, or between others, it is extremely evil. Although I think most believers would not engage in this kind of behavior knowingly, which includes me, I think it might be possible to just slip into that kind of behavior without giving it much thought. I certainly do not consider myself or my fellow believers a scoundrel and villain, who goes around with a corrupt mouth. Yet I think the very nature of the human condition bears some examination about this kind of attitude and behavior. If I think I am above this, then would I be guilty of spiritual pride? If I think I would never do anything like this, would I not be thinking so much more of myself then I should? I think it is possible for any believer to get carried away by his feelings especially if he feels he has been snubbed by or sneered at by someone, or perhaps even judged. So I have to ask, if I am driven by feelings or by the Spirit? Do my emotions control me or do I control my emotions? Are my thoughts and actions toward others generated by my human nature or by the Spirit of God? I would hope and pray the answers are always the latter. How could I continue if I thought disaster would overtake me? No, I am convinced that because of my relationship with Christ I have been redeemed and I am in the hands of my God. I am sure I am not this type of individual whose heart is bent toward that kind of evil. Could I inadvertently act in an inappropriate manner in some situation? Maybe I could, but surely not with intent, or malice in my heart toward someone. But I do think I need to take heed of this warning, and be ever aware of my feelings, for from those can come behaviors. I must be always aware.