All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.
— Proverbs 21:2
It’s incredible how easy it is to lie to ourselves. We do it all the time. I am very good at creating narratives about people and situations based almost entirely on nothing. Then I will spend the rest of the day acting as if these little dramas I invented are true!
This verse reminds us that while we may think our actions and ways are pure and right, God ultimately judges our motives and intentions. It’s easy to justify our actions and make excuses. Still, we must remember that God looks beyond what we present on the surface and into the hearts of each of us.
When striving to have a heart of faith, we must ensure that our motives align with God’s. Our actions are not for personal gain, for the praise of others, or based on narratives we pulled out of thin air. Truth exists outside our heads, and we must let God be the most formative influence on our hearts so that our intentions are for His glory and the benefit of others.
This verse reminds us to focus on our intentions and motives in everything we do, not just looking good on the surface, but ensuring that our hearts are aligned with God’s. And when we make sure our hearts are right with God, He will reward us accordingly.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help us have pure motives and intentions in all we do. Remind us that it’s not just about what we present on the surface but what is in our hearts. Give us the wisdom to align our hearts with yours and the strength to follow through with actions that bring glory to your name. In Jesus’s name, amen.