July 20
Practical doctrine
Who can say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin”? Proverbs 20:9 (NKJV)
Proverbs 20:9 asks a rhetorical question: Who can boast about having a clean and pure heart? The answer: nobody. The Bible is absolutely clear on this point. No human who has ever lived, with the exception of Jesus, can claim to have a sinless heart.
Nobody comes into this world as a righteous person (Romans 3:10), and all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Even the Apostle Paul described himself as the “chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15)! If he saw himself as a sinner, then who are we to think otherwise?
So this proverb is really calling our attention to a very important doctrine in God’s Word. It’s declaring how utterly trapped and lost all of us were in our sinful condition.
But stop for a moment and ask yourself why something like this would appear here in this particular book of the Bible. Why include such a strong doctrinal point like this amidst such practical proverbs?
Here’s one practical application for this doctrinal declaration: Being reminded of our sinful beginnings has a humbling effect on us that’s healthy. When we remember where we came from and how helpless we were to produce a pure heart, it prevents pride from rising up inside of us. It safeguards our soul and spirit in a way that’s practically powerful.
The great doctrines of the Bible were never intended to tickle our intellect but to transform our character. Their greatest value lies in the practical impact they have on the way we view and live our lives.
Take inventory of your own life. Make sure the Bible’s doctrines, those foundational teachings regarding sin and salvation, are having a practical impact on your day-to-day living. Don’t hoard them in your head, but hide them in your heart as you allow the Lord to make you more and more like Him.
Think About It…
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
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