Blessings of the Honest Heart

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sat Sep 21, 2013 7:26 pm Post subject: Blessings of the Honest Heart

Blessings of the Honest Heart

Scripture:

Hear this, you that crush the poor, and make the needy of the land to fail, saying: When will the month be over, and we shall sell our wares: and the sabbath, and we shall open the corn: that we may lessen the measure, and increase the sicle, and may convey in deceitful balances, that we may possess the needy for money, and the poor for a pair of shoes, and may sell the refuse of the corn? The Lord has sworn against the pride of Jacob: surely I will never forget all their works. ( Amos 8:4-7 )

I desire therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all men: For kings and for all that are in high station: that we may lead a quiet and a peaceable life in all piety and chastity. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God: and one mediator of God and men, the man Christ Jesus: Who gave himself a redemption for all, a testimony in due times. Where unto I am appointed a preacher and an apostle (I say the truth, I lie not), a doctor of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I will therefore that men pray in every place, lifting up pure hands, without anger and contention. ( 1 Timothy 2:1-8 )

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in that which is greater: and he that is unjust in that which is little is unjust also in that which is greater. If then you have not been faithful in the unjust mammon, who will trust you with that which is the true? And if you have not been faithful in that which is of another, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other: or he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. (Luke 16:10-13)

Reflection:

What is the measure of one if what they receive comes through ill gotten gain? What is the legacy of a leader whose words are filled with deceit to achieve unjust objectives or agendas which deprive people of their rights, freedoms or just earnings? How is one remembered when the evil of their works are discovered? What blessings are found by those who do not deal in fairness with all whom they meet?

Those who are lured to paths of iniquity find means to justify each step. Their fall does not come in a single day, but through small compromises of many moments which lead them to the edge. They learn their paths from others who were lured before them. Evil lies in wait in little things and hides in good intentions. The harm is not seen easily until the damage is done. No matter what is used to rationalize, what is taken; whether through force or deceit, in daylight or by the night, by many or one; remains unjust. He sees every act, and every consequence of selfishness and deception.

Just as He sees the acts of the wicked, He sees the works of the selfless. He sees the hands which yield of their work for the blessings of others. He sees those who speak words of truth and approaches others with integrity. He sees those who battle against temptations to sin, yet find the strength to remain righteous. His blessing is upon them. His forgiveness is offered for those who have failed in their struggle against sin and who seek to repent for their failings.

The virtue of integrity is a blessing, but a blessing too easily lost. One who schemes for self may gather many temporary pleasures, but what is compromised and lost along the way? One who schemes to oppress may find power, but they must forever look over their shoulder in wonder as to whom will scheme to take it from them. Nothing for them shall ever be secure. Everything is always at risk of being lost. One who rules with fear will not know the esteem of love.

Those who seek to remain true to Him will find blessings which are not rewarded by the world. They are blessings which are found in prayer. They are blessings which are found through charity and love. They are blessings which are rewarded for eternity within the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who do not live for what is of the world, but for what is of Him.

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier