"Is," Not "Ist"

 

    People are not "ists."  People are "is(s)".

 

    By necessity, we categorize ourselves and others based on numerous human aspects of our existence.  Heritage, nationality, trade, hobby, interests and religious affiliation, among many other designations, define us in our own minds.  We perceive what we are and what others are by the "ist" because we possess no ability to look deeply into the heart.

 

    God, conversely, sees directly into the essence and core of every human being.

 

    "God looketh on the heart" (I Samuel 16:7).

 

    "All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" (Hebrews 4:13).

 

    "Thou, God, seest me" (Genesis 16:13).

 

     Again, we cannot what our Lord sees. And we can partially gauge ourselves and others by outer aspects and designations of our lives.  Nevertheless, we must remember that human beings, in their essence, are not heritage, nationality, trade, hobby, interest, or even religious affiliation.  Indeed, we've never met an "ist".  Every pair of eyes into which we gaze shines forth from an "is".  Furthermore, our stated "ist" does not always accurately reveal our "is".  Who are we, really?  Who are others, really?  Again, only God knows, but we must be sure to remember that people are not in essence their bodies, or their personalities, or their histories, or their affiliations.  They are something mysterious, and something even potentially wonderful if deep within they respond to the One whose eyes gaze into the inner sanctum of their being.

 

    "Heavenly Father, remind us often of how little we actually know about ourselves and others.  Keep us from the error of relating to people only as an "ist".  Remind us that an "is" dwells within the outward trappings of all, and that Your vision is primarily focused on the heart.  Lead us to relate to people accordingly, trusting You for guidance and enabling to pray, act and speak in such a manner that our lives serve as the Light of the Lord Jesus Christ shining into the depths of others.  In His Name we pray, Amen."

 

"He knoweth the secrets of the heart."

(Psalm 44:21)