If someone examined your bank statement, what would they conclude you value most?
It’s easy to recognize idolatry in the lives of people like Athaliah or the pagans of the Old Testament. But Scripture repeatedly warns that idolatry isn’t just carved images or false gods—it can quietly settle into our own hearts.
One of the clearest ways it reveals itself may surprise us.
Our spending often tells the truth about what we treasure, what excites us, and ultimately what we worship.
Today’s readings also show us God’s remarkable protection of the promised Messiah, the life-changing influence of wise counsel, and the humility of a gifted teacher who was willing to be taught.
Criticism. Correction. Rebuke.
Most of us don’t naturally welcome them.
Even when instruction is given lovingly—or is exactly what we need—our first reaction is often defensiveness, self-justification, hurt, or even anger. Why? Because correction confronts something deep within all of us: pride.
But what if God is using even difficult people, uncomfortable conversations, or unfair criticism as tools to shape our hearts and grow us spiritually?
Today’s readings challenge us to examine whether we truly have a teachable spirit. Do we humbly receive wisdom and instruction, or do we resist correction because we think too highly of ourselves? Scripture says that rejecting wise rebuke is actually harming our own souls, while humility opens the door to wisdom, understanding, and maturity.
We’ll also see that even David—a man after God’s own heart—still struggled at times to trust the Lord fully, resorting instead to his own plans and schemes. Yet through both failure and correction, God continued His sovereign work in David’s life.
And finally, we’ll be reminded of a beautiful prayer every believer should pray: that God would open our eyes to understand His Word and set our hearts ablaze with His truth.
Because a humble, teachable heart is fertile ground for spiritual growth.
