Your motives (1)

Ananias and Sapphira saw their friends in the early Church selling their land and giving the money to the poor, and thought it was a great idea. But when they sold some land, they kept some of the money back for themselves. They wanted the spiritual status without too much personal cost. However, Peter saw through it, saying, 'You have not lied just to human beings but to God' (Acts 5:4 NIV). Not only were their motives exposed, but they also dropped dead! God was showing just how important it is for his Church to stay clear of deceit.

Unfortunately, deceitfulness still happens in the Church. A pastor said: 'Numerous Sundays I've preached a message that deeply moved the members of my congregation. But ironically I'd "prepared" by arguing with my wife on the way to church, or making life miserable for my children. I easily morphed into "the pastor", becoming instantly spiritual. I was faking... [because] feeling needed, respected, and wanted can become as great a motivation as love for Christ.'

The human brain is good at hiding its own motives. But God is committed to helping us get our motives back on course: 'The Lord searches every heart and understands every motive' (1 Chronicles 28:9 NIV).



So what now? Think back to significant things that happened in your life last week. Free-write them down - this means with no analysing. Then ask Jesus to reveal your motives and show you his heart for your interactions.





— SCRIPTURE —

'He searches every heart and understands every thought.' 1 Chronicles 28:9 GWT
— SOULFOOD —

Zech 12-14, Mark 14:43-52, Ps 39, Pro 24:26-27