Have you ever said something cruel to someone and immediately felt bad about it? I sure have. What we do next says a lot about our character. If we acknowledge that we were wrong and regret our words, then our hearts are soft and we want to do the right things. However, if we deny that we were wrong and try to justify ourselves, our hearts are hard and we are just trying to feel good about ourselves.
In Luke 16:15 Jesus said, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” You can be doing what brings you honor among people, but still be doing what God hates. If we are only seeking the admiration of men, we are missing the mark of what God wants us to be. He knows our hearts and cannot be misled. Our priority must be to please the God who created us and loves us with an everlasting love.
Reluctant Retiree 