Hey there, fellow believers! Today, I want to talk to you about something that often gets overlooked in our Christian walk: our motives. It's easy to get caught up in the external actions and appearances, but what really matters is the state of our hearts. So, let's take a moment to reflect on our motives and consider how they align with God's Word.
Bible Reference: Proverbs 16:2 (NIV) - "All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD."
1. The Hidden Intentions:
You know, it's quite fascinating how our intentions can remain concealed within us while we project an entirely different image to the world. We might engage in good deeds, serve others, and even pray diligently, yet our true motives can remain hidden. God, however, sees beyond our actions and looks directly at our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). It's crucial to examine our intentions honestly, for they determine the authenticity of our Christian faith.
2. Seeking Self-Glorification:
Have you ever caught yourself doing something good but secretly craving the praise and recognition of others? We've all been there! It's natural to desire affirmation, but when it becomes the driving force behind our actions, our motives become distorted. Jesus warns us about this very issue in Matthew 6:1-4, where He encourages us to do acts of kindness in secret, knowing that our Father in heaven sees and rewards us accordingly. Let's be aware of our inner longing for human approval and instead seek to please God alone.
3. Pure Love for God and Others:
The Bible teaches us that the greatest commandments are to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). When we examine our motives, we should ask ourselves: "Am I genuinely motivated by love?" Are our actions and decisions rooted in a deep desire to honor and serve God, as well as to bless those around us? Love should be the driving force behind everything we do. Let's strive to cultivate a selfless love that seeks the well-being of others above our own.
4. Testing Our Heart's Alignment:
Checking our motives requires an ongoing self-assessment and willingness to surrender our desires to God. We can examine our hearts by observing our reactions to various situations. Are we quick to anger when our plans are disrupted? Do we feel envy when others succeed? These responses often reveal the true condition of our hearts. The psalmist wisely prayed, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts" (Psalm 139:23). Let's invite God to search our hearts and help us align our motives with His perfect will.
5. Surrendering to God's Transformation:
As Christians, our ultimate goal is to become more like Christ. This transformation starts from within, in the hidden recesses of our hearts. When we surrender our motives to God, He can shape us into vessels that bring glory to His name. We must allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, convicting us when our motives are impure and guiding us toward a more righteous path. Let's remember that God is more interested in our hearts than in our external religious practices (Micah 6:8).
Dear friends, let's not neglect the importance of checking our motives. It is through this process that we can ensure our faith is genuine and pleasing to God. Let's be mindful of seeking His approval rather than the applause of others. May our motives be rooted in pure love for God and our fellow human beings. Remember, it's not just about what we do; it's about the state of our hearts and the motives that drive us.
In this journey of examining our motives, let's keep a few things in mind. First, let's strive for consistency between our inner intentions and our outward actions. It's not enough to merely appear righteous on the outside; God desires integrity and authenticity in every aspect of our lives. Jesus warned against hypocrisy and emphasized the importance of aligning our hearts with our actions (Matthew 23:25-28). Let's seek to be true followers of Christ, both in word and in deed.
Second, let's remember that our motives can be shaped and influenced by the world around us. We live in a culture that often promotes self-centeredness, materialism, and the pursuit of personal gain. It's easy to get caught up in these worldly values and allow them to seep into our motives. However, as Christians, we are called to a higher standard. Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Let's immerse ourselves in God's Word, allowing it to shape our desires and motives according to His will.
Furthermore, it's essential to guard against spiritual pride and self-righteousness. Our motives can easily become tainted when we start comparing ourselves to others and thinking we are more righteous or superior in our faith. Jesus tells a parable in Luke 18:9-14 about two men praying—one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee's motive was rooted in self-righteousness, while the tax collector humbly acknowledged his need for God's mercy. Let's humble ourselves before God, recognizing that it is by His grace alone that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9).
As we journey on this path of examining our motives, we may stumble and discover areas of our hearts that need transformation. It's important to remember that God's grace is abundant and His forgiveness is always available to us. When we confess our motives that fall short of His standards, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Let's not allow guilt or shame to keep us from seeking His forgiveness and making a fresh commitment to align our motives with His Word.
Ultimately, checking our motives is an ongoing process that requires constant vigilance and surrender to God. It's not something we do once and forget about; rather, it's a daily practice of self-reflection and dependence on the Holy Spirit's guidance. As we allow God to transform our motives, we will begin to experience the freedom and joy that comes from living in alignment with His purposes.
So, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let's take the time to check our motives. Let's examine the intentions behind our actions, ensuring they are rooted in love, humility, and a genuine desire to bring glory to God. Remember, it's not just about what we do; it's about why we do it. Let's strive for hearts that are pure and motives that honor our Savior, so that our lives may be a true reflection of His love and grace.