More Like Him - Tuesday
Today’s Verse
Proverbs 15:28a
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer… (ESV)
Hardly a day goes by now where there isn’t a reference in some way to AI, that is artificial intelligence. In fact, you may have noticed recently that many online searches are automatically powered and answered using AI. In the mid 1990s, a book by Daniel Goleman came out called Emotional Intelligence. At the time, it generated a lot of thought for both individuals and businesses. Goleman offered insights about how bridling one’s emotions could have a positive net impact on both personal and corporate productivity and could be as valuable as possessing a high IQ. Goleman said it came down to being aware of our own emotions and their impact on others, along with properly responding to the emotions of others.
That’s some good perspective. But I’ve learned that self-awareness can only go so far. As much as I pay attention to what’s going on inside, I need more than introspection to help me grow. My emotions can easily provide a high dose of artificial intelligence. Self-discovery, self-help, self-improvement, self-affirmation, self-determination, all have something in common: a lot of SELF-focus! Knowing myself is one thing, but as Proverbs 15:28 reminds us, it is righteousness that will lead to proper thinking and feeling. Righteousness is not something we achieve for ourselves. It begins with a deep knowledge that we need to be forgiven and to forgive as we’ve been forgiven. As my identity is shaped more by the One who made me and forgave me, I’m able to properly rely on emotions to provide helpful cues about situations. And I can engage others without knee-jerk reactions fed by my ego and assumptions about their thinking and motives. Righteousness is the result of reflecting Jesus, and obedience to God’s will. It’s laying down my right to always need to be right. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
REFLECTION
Our adversary wants us to obsess and become fixated on unhelpful thoughts and assumptions. Emotions can be fuel on that fire. God can purify your unrighteousness, your thoughts and feelings. Giving those to Him sounds like a great start to the new year!
