Motives

Each step we take can lead us to beautiful peaceful paths or to strenuous detours. We are selfish by human nature. Even the most gentle person can have an underlying motive for their actions.

Think of a toddler, he or she sees a new object and seeks to explore and learn its use. Toddlers want to hold a ball without wanting to share it.

What is your motive in life? Is it to climb over others to get to some imaginary pinnacle of success? Is it the pride of knowing everything but sacrificing relationships as you seek to best another person by being the one who is always right? Is it towering over peers in materialistic things or career ladders? God wants our life to be directed by Him, period! Not glory to us but glory to Him.

Whether it is a school aged child, who wants others to take notice of his or her abilities in sport or drama. We all have a need to be seen and spoken well of by family and friends. We all want to feel admired. God is who I want to please above all else.

Proverbs 12:14 MSG
Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward.

I want to hear from Jesus “Well done , good and faithful servant!” Don’t you?

Matthew 25:21 AMP
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’

Words of encouragement spur all humans to try harder, to achieve next level ability. However words of criticism take down the desire to try again and motivation slows.

When we commit our actions to Gods’ plan things are always best and amazingly beautiful.

Proverbs 16:1-9,13,15-21 NLT
We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer. [2] People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. [3] Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. [4] The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster.

When we seek the spotlight for our own glory, there is a consequence. Our pride can sink us. Pleasing God by humility ( not weakness) is a key.

Proverbs 16: [5] The LORD detests the proud; they will surely be punished. [6] Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the LORD, people avoid evil. [7] When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.

May we strive to seek godliness over selfishness. Unfortunately human nature can lead to impulsive words and actions unless we let God be the authority in our daily lives.

Proverbs 16: [8] Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest. [9] We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. [13] The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.

May we choose to be a person of honesty, over gossip and comparison.

May we want the King of Kings, Lord of Lords to smile and our lives to count by His standard.

Proverbs 16:15 When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a spring rain. [16] How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver! [17] The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe. [18] Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

Humility with Godliness is attainable when I can lay my agenda down and seek to trust the Lord for His future.

Proverbs 16:[19]Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. [20] Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be joyful.

I know I need to make some better choices on my words and actions. May we want to be known as a person of understanding and reflect Jesus to others especially when experiencing challenging relationships. Can you relate?

Proverbs 16: [21] The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.

Prayer prompt: Father God, please transform our lives for Your glory. Please help our words and actions to represent Your ways over our selfish impulsive demands. Help us to seek You first every morning and ask You to give us words of understanding so Your unfailing love can be seen in our actions. We want all people to come to know you, Our King of Kings and the Almighty One true God! In Jesus mighty Name Amen!

Photo credit By H Wisemen