Proverbs 16:2
Recently I’ve heard a question float around my circle of peers. “Would you rather be well known or known well?” It’s a deep enough question to warrant personal consideration. Given the rampancy of social media within my generation, the ability to connect with as many people as you want has never been easier. However, convenience often breeds shallow relationships. For many of my friends, it’s very easy to be “well known,” that is to be known by a wide pool of people. On the other hand, I’ve seen so many people my age, including myself, struggle with a deeper sense of intimacy. We long for deeper connection, yet cannot get past the “hey-how’s-it-goings” with our acquaintances. The deepest parts of our hearts cry for attention, yet rarely receive such care. There is someone who gives such care, should we receive it, the God who weighs my inmost being.
“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.” Proverbs 16:2 (ESV)
Many of us have read at least some of King Solomon’s collection of proverbs. We’ve experienced how his words have led countless children of God to a life of wisdom and deeper understanding of our Lord. Here, we learn a great duality between God and man. We all make plans. We all try to do things the right way. God, on the other hand, sees our hearts. Our God provides the attention to our souls that we long so deeply for. In our Heavenly Father, we find the purest satisfaction of being fully seen and fully known. He alone looks into the deepest parts of us, acknowledging us in a way no one else can. Have you ever wished in times of heartbreak and isolation to be embraced in the arms of a warm friend? Have you ever hoped someone would celebrate your biggest victories with you? Have you ever wanted someone to burn with the same passion to avenge the deep suffering and pain you’ve seen or felt? Our God, YHWH, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, three in one, He is there, feeling, rejoicing, and enduring it with and within you. Before you came into the world, He knew you. He knows you now, better than anyone else does. (Jeremiah 1:5)
I must warn you though, to receive the full attention of God is to also receive His full judgment. He weighs our spirit, meaning not only does He acknowledge you, but He determines your moral standing before Him. As our loving Creator and perfect judge, He is entitled to that. Not everyone is willing to accept that, but here is the truth.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV)
We will all stand bare before our creator at some point, with nothing but our deeds to prove our innocence or guilt. Our works will either withstand fire or be burnt up in condemnation. None of it will save us, though. None of it will catch up to the extent we’ve strayed from God. There is no amount of work that a man can boast of that can save him. Thankfully, our God is just. He does not judge as we judge. His ways are higher. He proves this by His grace in Jesus. Though I am convicted before the Judge, my sentence is mercy and blessing. The reimbursements for my worst offenses are the finest clothes, a ring on my finger, and a warm embrace. I am seen, I am judged and I stand condemned. Nevertheless, I am held. It is truly an immeasurable, incomparable joy to be known and known well by the One who weighs my inmost being. Amen.
Jared Benjamin Graf
Young Adults Intern