Foolproof

"Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander." (Proverbs 17:4-5)

Being a generally gullible person, it can be difficult for me to see the intentions of others, and easy to be fooled by pretty facades. But reading this wisdom of Solomon was a big "Ah-ha" moment for me, because it makes it simple to spot falsehood.

I'm watching a reality show that started off appealing to my ambitions: making high-ticket sales in glamorous L.A. I am attracted to professions that entail commission and celebrity, and while I don't have the ambition to be a big shot, I do believe that we can be in the world, and still not of it. I imagine that we can be in a highly sought out and competitive environment and accumulate wealth, but still be of service to others, by being crafty as serpents, and gentle as doves, as Jesus also told us to be.

But in the second season, the premise diverts a bit, and it became so focussed on drama and gossip, that I stopped watching it. There is one character who seems very put together, and in my opinion seems the most mentally and spiritually healthy of the bunch. If I were to pick a role model from one of them, it would be her. But when I read the above passage from Proverbs, I could see how easily I can be fooled. 

Jesus said that we can judge a tree by the fruit it produces, and King Solomon breaks it down in the most pure and basic form - if they gossip, they are to be avoided at all costs!! I saw a real life example of how easily I can be deceived to believe something is lovely and desirable, even though I know that Satan appears to us as an angel of beautiful light. (2 Corinthians 11:14).

So much of my journey toward regeneration today involves appreciating a life well lived, which so far I have discovered to be very basic actions. It is crucial for me today to not compromise serenity for status, to not sacrifice health for beauty, and to not trade enlightenment for excitement. I recognise today that other people's opinions of me do not mean more than God's pride of me, and after this pandemic, that being popular won't carry me through being laid off and quarantined.

Being empowered by God, and knowing basic instruction to be safe and remain in His presence, makes being gullible a lot less insulting to my ego. It's okay to be simple, it's okay that the devil knows more than me and can easily fool me, because when I abide by God's wisdom, I can thwart any attempt to avert me from the grace and peace of God.

Gossip by Pol Ledent