You have heard the
saying that actions speak louder than words. It is true, but I will take it one
step further, "Motives speak louder than actions." We need to back up our words with our ways,
but we also need to back up our ways with our whys. The Lord looks upon the
heart to see the why behind what we say and do. The heart is where our
character is found.
Jesus changes the
heart. He gets rid of the selfishness and replaces it with His love. He gives
us hearts that want to do what is right before God. He moves us to live with
God in mind. The true test of whether or not we are getting it right is found
in the motives of the heart.
We may not always get
things right, but if the motive is right, it pleases the Lord. And, if we
seemly get everything right and do if for all the wrong reasons, the Lord will
not be pleased with us at all.
The only way we can be
assured that our motives are right is for us to take seriously the role the
Lord plays in our lives. We must stay deeply connected to Him so that He can
influence the direction of our hearts. If our intent is to always do what is
right before God, we will do it. He honors those who honor Him. When Jesus is
Lord of our hearts, our hearts will always please God.
And, Jesus becomes our
Lord when we purposely let Him. He will not take ownership of our hearts
without our permission and cooperation.
Are you letting Jesus have His way with you? Is He determining the course of your
life? Are you cooperating with Him to
keep your heart pure before Him? Are the
motives of your heart to always do what is right before God and to please
Him? Is it for His honor and glory that
you live?
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