Weighed!

Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs and examines the hearts [of people and their motives].
PROVERBS 21:2 AMP

It really does not matter what you tell yourself; it does matter what your heart says. Men have mastered the art of deception, saying one thing and doing the other whilst also meaning another. Relationships have lost value because the focus has been on what I can gain, not on what I can give. I do what I do, and tell myself that I meant the best. I may defend myself as having had the best of intentions, but it goes beyond all that; I must also satisfy God's expectations by ensuring that my heart is right.

I recall men like Cain: nice on the outside but mean on the inside. I also recall David -  adulterer and murderer, yet on the inside, God saw a young man he could use. I recall Amaziah - the world testified that he served God all the days of his life, but God's verdict was that his heart was not perfect. Whose opinion counts at the end of the day? Daniel's life in exile had a change because of his heart's resolve not to defile himself with the king's food.

Man's applause is deceptive and dangerous. Whilst I am celebrated, God may have moved on. At all times, I must find out what God approves and make that my utmost priority. It is not about popular opinion; it is about divine approval. His time of favour is here.