“God looks at the clean hands, not the full ones.” These are the words of Publilius, a Latin writer who was born in 85 BC and was a contemporary of Cicero. His beginnings were rather humble in that he made the trip from Syria to Italy as a slave. Due to his quick wit, and abundant talent, he won the favor of his Italian master who educated him and then gave him his freedom.
Publilius is credited with saying: “Etiam capillus unus habet umbram” which is a Latin phrase that means: “Even one hair has a shadow.”
Every thought that you think and every deed that you do is like a strand of hair. It has a shadow or consequence, and each follicle can be as diabolical as it is delightful.
When Solomon wrote the Proverbs, he focused on the evil and regal motives of the heart and the consequences of both: “The wicked,” said Solomon, “will be snared by their own wrongdoing. Their flaws will tie their own hands, and they will be dragged through life by the cords of their sins (5:22 ~The Voice).”
Like Solomon, Paul knew a person would either live the live of the foolhardy or hardly be a fool. When Paul wrote to the Christians at Rome, he advised them to be know for their discretion, not their many transgressions: “Put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12 ~NIV).”
Paul continued this theme when he instructed Timothy to “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life (I Timothy 6:18-19~NIV).”
When you read the verses above, could you see the shadow of the good deeds? Paul said the consequence of a good deed and a generous spirit is treasure or rewards in heaven.
The quote below is from an unknown source. As you read it, think about the long shadow it casts on this discussion. Notice the rhythm and flow of the consequences of your thoughts and your deeds.
Watch your thoughts, they become words;
Watch your words, they become actions;
Watch your actions, they become habits;
Watch your habits, they become character;
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.
Both mice and mothers can be found hastily scurrying about the floor of kitchens. The one will eagerly and earnestly scour the floor for the crumbs that fall from the delicious tidbits prepared by the other. To be honest though, mothers choose not to coexist with mice.
insightbyseymour 