Motives

motives - As long as I do the right thing, what difference do my motives make?

Even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.

James 4:3

I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.

Jeremiah 17:10

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.

Psalm 139:23

OUR MOTIVES are everything to God because they reveal what is most important to us and what is driving our choices. The condition of our heart is essential to the condition of our relationship with him. Do you ever pray out of obligation? Do you ever follow God’s ways because you think it will keep him from getting angry with you? Have you ever tried to manipulate him to give you something you want? We’ve all had times when our motives were not exactly pure. But when we come to God out of a desire for authentic relationship, that pleases him. Where are your motives misguided? Confess these to God, tell him the kind of relationship you want to have with him, and take time to listen to his voice. God invites you to ask him to search you, examine your heart, and test your motives. It is only through honest confession and conversation that God is able to change your motives into ones that please him.

Prayer Prompts

Lord, some misguided motives that I need to confess are . . .

Your Word guides me to align my motives with your heart when it says . . .