All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes [and he may see nothing wrong with his actions], but the Lord weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth].
Proverbs 16:2
We justify our actions based on other people, thinking “it” must be okay. However, we know in our heart some things just can’t be justified. Others are not the way to answer for ourselves. Just because someone else does something doesn’t make it right, it doesn’t necessarily make it wrong either, but it might be what Jesus instructed them. This is why we cannot look to others, but need to look directly to Jesus.
Our relationship with Jesus must come first. If we are abiding in Jesus, things will look differently. Reflect inward on Him and understand who He has created YOU to be. On the outside we may be able to fool those around us, but Jesus is truth and knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our heart and intentions. He knows the truth, no matter how hard we may try to hide.
Jesus instructs us to forgive and be forgiven, living to please Him. Yes, there is more, and our desire for more outside of ourselves has been place there by Jesus. We must dive deeper and get to know His Word intimately. Let us not settle for superficial, bug truly dig in. We must prepare ourselves for what’s next.