Daily Journal: 14 July

A Full and Fair Assessment

I’m praying for greater discernment in my day. I want greater insight into what is happening in and around me, and wisdom in how I respond. To do that, I must put my own reactions aside, keep my soul responses quiet, and listen to the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit.

James 1:19 (NIV)

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

There are so many ways that people speak to suit themselves but fail to give a full and fair assessment of what they’re saying. Conversations quickly divert down a rabbit hole that then need to be deciphered to find accuracy. Confusion is part of Satan’s strategy to disarm and weaken people but truth brings life and honour into every situation.

Honest scales are important to God.

Deuteronomy 25:15-16 (NLV)

You must have a full and fair weight. You must have a fair way to show how big something is. Then you will live long in the land the Lord your God gives you. For the Lord hates everyone who does such things, who lies and is not fair.

This verse refers to financial transactions but I can apply it to any situation because it deals with something that is very important to God – justice. How should I respond if something is being swung in one person’s favour but is unfair to another? Should I just ‘let it go’? Should I step in when I hear dishonesty, especially when the person who is being dishonoured is vulnerable? This can happen in small, almost imperceptible ways just as much as it can in open dishonesty.

My conscience needs to be a full and fair scale to measure my responses and reactions. God has given this to each person for that very purpose, no matter what kind of transaction we are part of. But if we need wisdom, we should ask God for it.

James 1:5 (NLT)

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

God’s wisdom helps us to make wise and accurate assessments and decisions that bring about successful transactions.

I pray we ask God for that wisdom today, that we will hold full and fair weights in every discourse and transaction, and we will be assured in a peaceful response without defence or argument.