www.FlyingHigher.net - Snippets from the Good Book #6

Three Layers Deep

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Psalm 139:23, 24

Ken Stoltzfus

We are complex beings, each of us set in motion through life by a unique mixture of strength and weakness which lies deep within us. We are a mystery to ourselves. A major challenge in our pilgrimage toward wholeness is to increasingly know ourselves and to humbly come to terms with how that shapes our life.

David was on to something in Psalm 139:23, 24. One day when I was looking at this text I saw that it represented three levels, or depths of "knowing". I came to see that each level influences those above it, and each reveals things about those below it.

The deepest level is the heart. It is this, which most shapes who we are and what we become. The heart is the foundation of character. It is the underground reservoir from which the river of thoughts, words and actions flows. As Proverbs 27:19 says, "As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person." And in Matthew 15:19 Jesus said, "For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, - - ."

But only God knows the heart. We might think otherwise, but we don't know ourselves very well at that level. We don't always know why we do the things we do. Have you ever had the courage to stand back and watch yourself and try to figure yourself out?

The influences and experiences of our past become entwined with each other to create an indescribable concoction of attitudes and abilities, strengths and weaknesses, actions and reactions - - and all that marks "me" as "me"! There are forgotten memories of childhood experiences, things that we would not normally know even if we wanted to. And there are those we are not willing to know about ourselves.

Why are we outgoing or withdrawn? Positive or negative? Why do we tend to have conflicts with certain kinds of people? Where does our anger come from? What is the root of a certain persistent temptation? Often we want to address symptoms, when these are issues of the heart.

I remember a particularly painful part of my life's pilgrimage. I had expected a certain relationship to produce incredible joy, but instead it was taking on the opposite nature. I had such a knot in my gut that I thought I had an ulcer. I hurt, physically and emotionally.

I begged God to show me what was in my heart that was causing me to experience this relationship in such a way. He did, and it wasn't pretty. I knew in an instant that He was right. I took very drastic and costly action but the reward has been more than worth it. God will show us our hearts and will give us an opportunity to let Him make them new!

I have also, in my quiet times with God, asked Him to uncover the childhood experience that shaped me in ways that were now causing me concern. I can tell you - - He does that.

The next level is our thoughts. Both God and you know your thoughts but others don't.

The mind is a battleground. Our thoughts shape our mood, countenance, words and actions. Every sin is related to things that take place in our thought life. That is why the Apostle Paul said, "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8b

A key to our success here is to accept responsibility for what we spend our time thinking about. We are not always responsible for the ungodly thoughts that come to us, but we are responsible if we let them take up lodging there.

Patterns of thinking develop like well worn animal paths in the forest. Some years ago I asked God to show me the primrose paths I frequented, and to give me the opportunity to turn off of them before I got into deep muck. He did. If we observe ourselves, we can soon learn that if we are at a certain point in our thought process, and if we continue in the same direction, we can predict where we will end up. And then we can choose to take our mind off of one thing and place it on another. It is a sweet choice to make and I wish I always did it well! Help is available when we need it.

The upper level that David spoke of is our ways, i.e. our words and actions. The NAS says, "And see if there be any hurtful way in me". "Hurtful" there means "way of pain". David is saying, "God, are their ways about me which cause pain to others?" God, you, and I can all hear my words and see my actions, which simply reflect what is in my heart and mind!

We often don't realize how offensive our words and actions are to God and to persons around us. If we are serious about walking well with Him and representing Him effectively, we will care deeply about that. And we will be willing to look at the thoughts, and the issues of our heart that have shaped them.

It is an exciting pilgrimage, this walking with God in an increasing knowledge of ourselves. He knows us fully and loves us with unrestrained passion - - in spite of who we are. It is safe to ask Him to tell us. He knows what we can handle. As we come to trust Him, we open ourselves more and more to the light of His truth. It's sorta scary, but it leads to greater freedom in our heart - - which then moves up and out through our thoughts, words and actions!

Born in 1940, Ken Stoltzfus has worked as a pilot, ordained Christian minister, businessman, missionary to Africa and writer. This is #6 in his series "Snippets from the Good Book", and is one of many short articles that can be found at www.flyinghigher.net

© 2003, Ken Stoltzfus, flyinghigher.net, P.O. Box 548, Apple Creek, OH 44606 USA. May be printed for personal use and may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes without further permission if proper acknowledgment is given and a copy is sent to the author.