Dirk Taljaard

Reading from Scripture

Exodus 20:17

Do not desire another man's house; do not desire his wife, his slaves, his cattle, his donkeys, or anything else that he owns.

I do not judge as people judge. They look at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). This is the issue receiving attention in this commandment. We tend to focus mainly on the visible and the evident. And if our outward appearance is so important to us, chances are that we admire other people, not in the first place for who they are, but for what they look like. It is much easier to like someone who resembles a model in a magazine, or has a respectable lifestyle, isn’t it?

When judging someone’s inner most, it’s not about what they do, but rather who they are. It is much easier to evaluate someone’s deeds, but our inner being is a difficult to fathom. That is why it is so easy to hide behind a mask, to perform a part, to pretend. It is very easy to deceive others. Up to a point. Then the volcano cannot be contained anymore and it erupts in full force.

We may succeed in deceiving people, but it is so difficult to deceive God and ourselves. He knows us, who we are and how our minds operate. He knows that our thoughts can wander onto trails overgrown with devil’s thorns. That is where we’re normally heading. Neither the road leading to respect all forms of authority, nor the road with reverence for life, nor the one improving our relationships, nor the one allowing others to live their lives to the full, nor the one honouring truth above all else. Usually we follow the exact opposite route. I needn’t try and convince anyone about this fact. I need not state any theological argument. We know our own hearts all too well!

No one has to be in sackcloth and ashes or surrender to your ‘natural inclinations’. You can be different. You can apply your mind differently. The possibility has been opened up to you. The choice is yours. This is what Jesus became flesh for. His Holy Spirit will strengthen you in this regard. That is a promise!

Lord, You know my heart. Change it so that I may desire what is good. Amen.