Core Scripture: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

Message: You can fool others, but you can never fool God.

Why is that?  He knows us.  He knows us better than we know ourselves.  He knows every hair on our heads (Mark 10:30), or in my case a lack thereof.  He had our lives planned out before we were born (Jeremiah 1:5).  God knows us better than Patrick Mahomes knows the no-look pass. 

The crazy thing is that God knows our hearts.  He can see right through the façade we put on display for others to see.  Need proof?  Jesus calls out the Pharisees in Luke 16:15. He tells them how they might appear to be righteous in public, but God knows their hearts. 

How is your heart today?  What does God see when He investigates your motives?  Is there any pride?  Are you trying to fool others with a smile on your face when in reality you are hurting inside? 

Let’s look at an example. 

It was a few weeks ago, and I was stowing non conveyable packages at Amazon.  It was approximately 3:15 am.  Fifteen minutes away from our first break.  As I put one of my oversized packages away, I heard not one but two hampers beeping loudly.  It grated on my nerves enough that I went down to investigate and help out.

Nobody was there.  Someone had abandoned their post, and I spent the next 15 minutes frantically stowing down their packages until the beeping subsided.  I was a little ticked off, but to my colleagues around me, I must have looked like I was doing the right thing.  And I was.  But they didn’t see my heart. 

God most certainly did.

After break I returned to find the culprit who had left me high and dry.  It was no surprise when I saw who it was.  This young gal lacks motivation.  She pretty much hates her job, and her work ethic is … oh, how would the kids say it?  Rather SUS?  I had to give her a piece of my mind.

“Hey, I was helping you out before break,” I greeted her.  “Your aisles were beeping.  Are you okay?”

Her soft voice explained that she needed to use the restroom, and she had told both colleagues on either side of her to watch her aisles.  Pretty sure that was a straight up lie.  How did I know?  As I desperately scanned her packages, I asked the guy next to her where she had gone.  The guy didn’t have a clue. 

This boiled my blood.  Maybe she did have to use the bathroom, but I suspected she had just been so overwhelmed that she peaced out to get an extra 15-minute break. 

Fast forward to later in the morning.  My job was complete, so I was helping stow down other packages in the same area I had been helping before.  I was in quite the rhythm when the same girl ran up to me. 

“I have to use the bathroom again,” she said desperately.  “Can you cover my aisles again?  Please and thank you.” 

Was this girl for real?  Was she trying to get off early for another break?  I found myself saying yes, but what got under my skin was that she seemed to be taking advantage of my kindness.  Sure enough, I finished all her packages for her, and she never showed her face again. 

My heart?  It wasn’t good!  It was downright agitated, and I definitely found a colleague to empty out that frustration to.  My buddy Michael made an excellent sounding board.  So did my wife later that day.  I even took it to God that next morning. 

That was when He exposed my heart. 

Our conversation went somewhat like this …

Me: Lord, what do I do about this girl!

God: What about her?

Me: She takes advantage of my kindness! 

God: I see your kindness, but I also see something else.

Me: What is that? 

God: Your heart, Clint.  It is not where it needs to be.

Me: Don’t I have the right to be frustrated?

God: Most certainly, you do.  Feelings are real, and you can’t help them. 

Me: Right!  So, what did I do wrong?

God: Did you give your feelings to me? 

Me: Ummm …

God: Did you serve that young lady the way Jesus served? 

Me: Well … no.

God: Did you talk wickedly behind her back, complaining about her work ethic?

Me: Yes, I did. 

God: Don’t let that guilt or shame come in now.  I sent my Son to take care of that already, and my grace washes your sin whiter than snow.

Me: Thanks so much for that! 

God: Clint, come to me next time.  Let me take care of those bitter feelings. 

Me: God, I am so sorry.  I appreciate the advice.

I will ask you again.  How is your heart today?  If God was to look deep inside you, would He be pleased with what He saw?  Pray that prayer in the core scripture above.  Allow God to do a heart check on you.  If there are any hiccups, let Him take care of them.  And allow Him to lead you on the path to everlasting life.

Not a bad way to prepare ourselves for Valentines Day. 

Challenge: How is your heart today?  Let God examine you and follow His lead.

Bible study: Journal about or discuss the following questions about King David, the author of the core scripture above …

1. Why do you think God chose David to be king over Saul?
2. Read 1 Samuel 16:7. How does this verse speak truth to today’s theme?
3. Was David’s heart always in the right spot? (Hint: he committed adultery with Bathsheba and then murdered her husband.)
4. How did David get his heart right with God?
5. Where is your heart today?
6. Where are you fooling others but not fooling God?

Just for fun: Yesterday was an important day for me.  February 9, 2013, I was baptized anew by my pastor.  Let me do the math.  That makes me … 13 years old?  I guess that means I am an obnoxious teenager now!

Prayer: Lord, search my heart.  Cleanse me of all the filth of this world, and create me anew.  Mold me, use me, and guide me.  Amen.