Proverbs 23:7 – “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.”
I’m guessing “thinketh in his heart” would compare to an internal impression. Something deeper than surface emotion; a deep thought that has roots into one’s core being, prompted by childhood influence.
An example of one individual’s journey could be of the following nature. Circumstantial truths have developed as a result of having been shamed and mistreated. Perhaps this has occurred due to a natural gift, or lack thereof, that an authoritative figure has been frustrated with in one of his or her children. This has rooted into an impermeable hard pan. Baked soil that the water of forgiveness just runs off. It can’t penetrate. So that portion of a person’s “field” meant for production lies barren. Weeds hardly germinate. If the weeds would grow, perhaps the rain of grace and the sun of love could, after a while, soften the ground. Then the weeds could be dealt with. The soil could be revived. The owner of this field of thought believes, from the bottom of his heart that he is “Not Enough”. Almost without fail, when we deal with a situation of an individual feeling inadequate, it stems from a person’s early childhood circumstances and training.
There was a family of multiple sons. As is customary, the boys had various academic capabilities. Some found school and high achievement natural. One son in particular was a strong healthy lad; however, he was a little slow of speech and response. There was room for improvement in his school grades. As children, when the boys would play “Ranch”, there would be various “horse” roles. Roping, and racing and light buggy horses. This young fellow was content to be the big draft horse. He would dutifully plod with the red Radio Flyer wagon and draw the hay from the distant field. An impression was forming. He was a low achiever. His father lamented that this particular son was less gifted than the other of his brothers. Father questioned whether this son would attain success.
The young son found employment. His employer soon sensed undeveloped talent lying behind this lad’s somewhat quiet demeanour. It was only a short time before this “draft horse” was transformed into a very capable, lively contributor to life. Although he retained a modest demeanour, there was no sign of handicap in his performance. “Not enough” had become “enough”!
Accurately said, I have drawn an example of pride/humility. Those of us that love and endorse the King James Version Bible place value on its practical, open-for-Spiritual-direction approach. Ultimately it is a full toolbox, with all that is needed for a successful walk through this life, and into eternity. That said, God made us with various gifts, so that none of us would be complete in ourselves. We would need the love of Jesus, salvation, and redemption from sin, found only by accepting Jesus as our personal Saviour. (Romans 3: 23 + 24)
When the world was introduced to Jesus, the Law and ordinances of the Old Testament structure were replaced, or rather enhanced, by life abundant. That was a result of the birth of God’s Own Son, Jesus. There was much confusion, resulting in a necessity for a lot of tolerance. However, the tolerance needed never, ever challenged, or lessened, the impact of God’s law, as set forth in the Old Testament Church.
People in general are inclined to be all or nothing people. When the apostle Peter, with all his shenanigans, tried to get his head wrapped around this new way, he was introduced to the lowly example of Jesus Christ, the son of God, washing the disciples’ feet. Peter balked. No Way was Jesus going to wash his feet! As the truth of the ordinance sank into Peter’s head, he swung over to the other side. All the way. Now he wanted a whole bath (John 13:1-17) This is an example of our human reaction about “Not Enough”. When we are aware of our own shortfall and infallibilities, we react. All the way to the right. Or all the way to the left.
Years ago, a daughter embarrassed her father with a meltdown. The father’s deadpan explanation to a friend who observed it as well was, “My daughter needs the grinding wheel and the polishing cloth.” This daughter today has nice children of her own. Along with her husband, they serve capably in the Church. Evidently the grinding and polishing has been working. Ironically, parents that wish to spare their children the difficulty of trouble, actually often weaken these children.
Psalm 34:19 – “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”
I have not exhausted the examination of this topic. Likely I will comment more at another time. There is tremendous need in humanity to better understand the moulding of character and the destruction of this same character.
See you next time!
