LESSONS FROM PROVERBS (2)
The motive with which we do things matter a lot. There are times people get themselves involved in that which looks good with the idea that they are fighting for a good cause or doing something good. Of course, it looks so to other people but if one was to see through their hearts, and examine closely the motive behind such actions, one would come to realise that those things were done with the wrong intention or motive. And most times, what men see are the actions, not the the motive behind such actions, and so they are easily deceived.
Take for instance, a child decides to be well behaved not because he is in the real sense but because he wants something from the parent. Let's say before now, the parent had deprived him of so many things because of his bad behaviour, and knowing that if he decides to put up a show, they wouldn't deny him of those privileges anymore, don't you think he will pretend to get their attention? I honestly do think so. The action may be right but the motive behind such action is indeed wrong.
Having said this, we need to understand that what men see, and consider are the actions shown to them, and scarcely are they able to see beyond the actions, and most times are deceived by people just like the child did to his parent in the illustration above. We shall be looking at that which God considers in our study today, the actions or the motive behind the actions. The anchor text is seen below,
"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts." (Proverbs 21:2).
When men do things, it doesn't really appear to them that they are doing the wrong thing? Does it? That is the reason many steal, kill, etc. Because in many ways, they feel their actions are justified. And coupled with the fact that their consciences are deadened. These are people who live without the knowledge of Christ. How about those who now live in Christ? Don't we do things many times without considering the reason for which we have decided to do such things?
It is very good to sing in the choir. It is good to preach, and to take a Bible study class. It is good to be involved in evangelism and it is also good to lead prayers during prayer meetings. The question however is, how many do these things with the right intention? How many do these things with the aim of glorifying the God? Truthfully speaking, all these are good, and may appear good to all who see, and to you who do them, but if others were to look into your heart so as to know the reason for your actions, what will they find?
The thing is, men can be deceived. In fact, men are deceived most times but not God. Do you know why? Because he doesn't just look at what you do but why you do them. He sees through you to know your intentions. While that which you do may be right in your eyes, and others may see it, and commend you for it, God sees your heart, and says to himself, "This is not for me". He pondereth (considers, examines, looks into, searches) the hearts (the motive, the intentions, why you do what you do). He wants you to do things with the right motive. Remember this today, while men may commend you for what they see you do, and while you may think your actions are right, God searches your heart to know why you did such. Let that which you do be with the right intention. Grace to you, and peace from God. Amen.
Thought for the day:
While men may only see your actions, and while it may appear good to both you, and them, always remember that God sees more than your actions. He sees the reason for your actions. God ponders (searches, examines, looks into, considers) the heart.
Gospel Today is a comforting, exhorting, edifying and inspiring devotional published by the Delightsome Land Christian Ministry. For questions, enquiries/testimonies, please call/WhatsApp: 08174915361, 08161655758 or Email: [email protected].
Post a Comment
Please drop a comment and use the Social Media Buttons below to share to friends and family.