Motives

When I was new to ministry, people would tell me their stories and troubles and always from a one-sided perspective. I am fine with one-sided bias, but when I was very green and new, I was unaware of just how much bias went into that one side. Needless to say, I had to apologize a few times once I realized that one side is never the whole story.

In Psalm 139 the author tells us at the end to basically check ourselves, or more accurately to allow God to check us. Checking our thoughts and motives is critical when it comes to living out the full Christian life. Why? Because we are always biased! We see and believe based on our experience or knowledge of a situation or subject. That is understandable and normal, but as Christians we cannot afford to lean only on our understanding. As a matter of fact, Proverbs 3 says just the opposite. “Lean not to your own understanding…”.

Why not? Because we cannot possibly see all the perspectives that God has for us to see based only on our view. We need to see every person and every situation through God’s eyes. He is the one who knows all things and sees all things.

We humans are quick to find a passage in the Bible that backs up our prejudices and our biases. When we do that, we are doing harm. We are not working for His Kingdom purposes but for ours. Do you see the problem?

Once we put our selfish motives in the mix, there is no redemptive power.

It is very difficult to do this correctly. It takes discipline and practice. This is why it is critical that we have consistent and honest conversations with God and lean into the listening part of prayer. The Psalmist prayed against his enemies but ended with asking God to check his heart.

God, I pray that you check our hearts today that we may see, hear, and act to every moment the way you want us to so that your Kingdom can come on earth today.