Proverbs 16:2—All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.
The Bible is decisively clear on the fact that God is able to discern what our motives are no matter how well we think they are concealed.
“. . . for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts . . .” (1 Chronicles 28:9)
“. . . He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts . . .” (1 Corinthians 4:5)
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:3)
The American Heritage Dictionary defines a motive as “An emotion, desire, physiological need, or similar impulse that acts as an incitement to action.” Our action is predicated by motive. For example, I may decide I need to spend more time in prayer. You may think that my motive is to grow closer to God. In reality, my desire may be to be known by others as a praying person. Or I may want something from God and calculate that more time in prayer will earn His favor.
A well that is filled by impure motives renders contaminated water no matter how good the water may look or taste. So how do we keep our water clean? Perhaps by understanding God’s motives. The Bible communicates that God loves us and desires to have a vibrant relationship with us. Unless He has a hidden motive disguised to us, our Creator made us for fellowship.
Once we understand God’s motives, we are set to examine our own. If I believe He loves me and wants to fellowship with me, then my supreme motivation in life ought to be to love Him and to reciprocate by seeking to know Him. Before I take action, I should ask myself the question, “Will what I am about to do glorify God and bring me closer to Him?” If it won’t then why do it! If it will, then why delay?
God gathered the dust to form the man (Genesis 2:7)
He acted in love for that was His plan.
What saddens my Friend and hastens His hurt
Is when I don’t care and treat Him like dirt.
Inspiration
