“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” (vv.2-3)
A motive is an underlying reason for an action. Human beings can operate from a variety of motivations, often negative. Pride, anger, revenge, a sense of entitlement, or the desire for approval can all be catalysts for our actions. Any motivation that originates in our sinful flesh is not pleasing to God (Romans 8:8), and can hinder our prayers (James 4:3).
Motivation becomes an issue when we are not honest with ourselves about why we are doing things. Scripture tells us, “Our purpose is to please God, not people - that He alone examines the motives of our hearts” (1 Thess. 2:4), and is interested in our motives even more than our actions. Therefore, keep your motives pure by continually surrendering every part of your heart to the control of the Holy Spirit and He will establish your way.
The Truth: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
A motive is an underlying reason for an action. Human beings can operate from a variety of motivations, often negative. Pride, anger, revenge, a sense of entitlement, or the desire for approval can all be catalysts for our actions. Any motivation that originates in our sinful flesh is not pleasing to God (Romans 8:8), and can hinder our prayers (James 4:3).
Motivation becomes an issue when we are not honest with ourselves about why we are doing things. Scripture tells us, “Our purpose is to please God, not people - that He alone examines the motives of our hearts” (1 Thess. 2:4), and is interested in our motives even more than our actions. Therefore, keep your motives pure by continually surrendering every part of your heart to the control of the Holy Spirit and He will establish your way.
The Truth: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
