Like in most things in life, the end does not always justify the means. Our motives matter.
Just like the Criminal Psychologist studies why criminals do the things they do, we, as Christians must always ensure we have the right motives in all we are called to do.
In Matthew 6, Jesus mentioned the need to want to please God and not men when we fast or pray.
No wonder, James says one of the reasons our prayers are hindered is because our motives are not right. James 4:3.
Even our God watches the thoughts and intentions of our heart and it determines what we are rewarded with.
Jeremiah 17:10
But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”.
It is therefore very necessary that we are clear about many things in our worship and service to God and humanity.
Why do we pray? What motivates our service to God? Is God a means to where we want to go?
An understanding of why we do the things we do helps a great deal.
In 1 Corinthians 13, Bible teaches us that if we do many things and it is not motivated by Love, we are empty. Our prophecy, speaking in tongues and giving will go unrewarded.
When the Bible says. To test ALL spirits if they are of God, it was not referring to other things alone but also for us 1 Jn 4:1.
I pray the Lord to grant us the will to surrender our motives for inspection so our service and worship may be acceptable in Jesus’ Name. Amen
JESUS IS LORD