Joshua 9:4 (The Gibeonites) They resorted to a ruse: They went as a delegation whose donkeys were loaded with worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended.
“A person’s true colors will always show within time. You may be fooled for the moment, but be patient and see what happens” – Jodi Cannon.
Psychologists say that it would take at least 3 months (or 100 hours) to understand the intentions of a person. The actions and the behaviour will determine the intentions more than the words or potential. If a relationship lacks genuineness or appreciation it is not worth investing our time, energy and emotions. Real people will say what they mean and do what they say. When the words and actions don’t stack up it is a red flag that the intention is not right. Time will reveal the true colours of a person.
Joshua and the Israelites were fooled by the deception of the Gibeonites at Gilgal. Joshua was on the roll to take possession of the Promised Land. They heard that the Israelites had leveled the fortified city of Jericho and destroyed Ai. The Gibeonites resorted to a ruse and tricked Joshua and the elders that they were a people from a far off distant land and had come to make a peace treaty with Israel. After three days they heard that the Gibeonites were neighbours living nearby. It took only three days for the deception to be revealed but Joshua had rushed into a peace treaty with the Gibeonites without consulting with the Lord. Many times, when we go to the Lord for counsel regarding a relationship, the Lord will put us through the ‘silence test’. He would not give us an answer straight away but during the time of waiting, He will reveal their true intentions through their actions and behaviours. Wait to pass the ‘silence test’ before you sign a treaty.
Walk the talk. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check (James 3:2b). “People with good intentions make promises but people with good character keep them.”
Beware of hypocrites:
1. Trick: Joshua the great warrior was tricked by sweet-talk, sweat and worn-out sandals. Hypocrisy does not take long to be exposed. Don’t rush into a relationship, friendship or courtship. Time will prove the authenticity of a person.
2. Talk: Beware of those who breach their own words and fail to honour promises. They are not real people who can be trusted. When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent (Proverbs 10:19). Avoid garrulous ramblers.
3. Trap: It is important to think before we speak. You have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth (Proverbs 6:2). Joshua and the Israelites were trapped in the treaty that they made in haste with the Gibeonites. The Israelites had to fight a fierce battle to protect the Gibeonites because of the treaty that trapped Israel (Joshua 10:6). Our hasty words and promises can trap and drag us into unwanted battles.
Real people say what they mean and do what they say.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be vigilant about those who do not walk the talk and make me to be an integrous person. Amen.
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