Back to Basics
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
“The Best Laid Plans…”
2People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. Proverbs 16:2 NLT
Today’s Scripture reminds us that whenever we make plans there’s always the possibility that we will “pull the wool” over our own eyes. No one who sincerely follows Jesus plans to do things that are contrary to His will, but sometimes we plan without thinking about His will. Sometimes we convince ourselves that our motives are pure, and that what we are planning IS God’s will for us. Again, as we trust God more and more, and give control of our lives to Him, that WILL be the case. Nevertheless, there are times as Proverbs 16:2 points out that we think our motivations are pure, when they aren’t. God examines our motives. He examines our hearts. He sees below the surface of our plans and intentions and discerns whether they will bring Him glory. In the end, that’s the goal: t o bring glory to God through our thoughts, words, and actions. If our plans are set forth to glorify God, we can be sure that our motivations are pure. If our plans have another objective—even a seemingly “good” objective, but glorifying God is not primary, then we will want to submit our plans to the Lord again, and listen for His answer, as we spoke about yesterday.
When it comes to planning and the matter of our motivations for what we do, the beginning of a new year is always a great time to stop and reflect on our motivations. Consider: why DO I do the things I do? Answer that question in every arena in life. Why do you respond as you do in your family, at school, at work, at church, in recreational activities? Do you serve others out of a genuine servant’s heart as Jesus commands, or because you want the recognition that comes with serving? Do you involve yourself in numerous activities, because that is genuinely God’s plan for your life, or because you haven’t learned how to say, “No,” and are afraid of hurting the feelings of those who ask you to be involved. Godly motives for our actions come from staying close to God, from giving the Holy Spirit control of our lives, and being filled with the Spirit each day. When our motives are godly our plans will not only be pure in our own eyes, but before God as well. That’s the goal for each of us who name Jesus as our Savior and Lord. Day-by-day that may become more the reality as we submit ourselves more fully to Him!
Questions and Comments for Reflection and Action:
Have you sat down recently and considered the motives for your actions in the various arenas of life? If not, take some time now, or in the next few days to do so. As you take this “motivation inventory” acknowledge areas where your motives are not pure to the Lord, confessing them as sin, and repenting of them. Then call on the Lord to renew a right spirit in you, and to fill you anew with the Holy Spirit that you may live with godly motivation.
Thank God right now for examining your motives and for caring enough to transform you into the image of Jesus day-by-day!