– Secret Place Insights –
Dear One, in the Christian life sinful self, or Satan’s efforts, can so easily trip us up. It can happen without us even realizing it. It is so very important that as we move along the path of purpose that we regularly check our motives. Is what I am doing being done for God, for Man, or myself? Our motivation should stem from our desire to honor God. The following are two personal examples of God’s intervention.
I was once asked if I could help out, or find a few people to help with a meal at an upcoming church event. I love working in the kitchen! I really wanted to say, “Oh I would be happy to help out. I’ll contact a few ladies, and we’ll take care of it.” That’s what I wanted to say, but I did not. For simultaneously, with the invitation to help out, came the silent check of the Holy Spirit. Sometime ago, God had given me a project which was far from accomplished. To deviate from it would stem from a desire to please myself or Man, rather than God. Certainly the service requested was for a good cause, and was God honoring, but it was a blessing meant for another.
We are called to do our best, and our best is to adhere to the will of God. A Christian’s motives should regularly be checked through Scripture and prayer. And as you know, or just read, are sometimes checked by the still small voice of the Indwelling Holy Spirit.
The situation reminded me of another ministry request from long ago. I was standing by one of our daughter’s beds when her ‘princess’ phone rang…do you remember those ‘girly’ phones? I picked it up to hear, “Would you accept the position of vice president for the women’s board? If you do, the following year you would become president.” Hmm, I thought, PRESIDENT…I think I’d like that. Faster than immediately my motives were checked by the Holy Spirit. Without hesitation, I replied, “No, but thank you for asking me. Sorry, at this time I have to decline.” Man, that was close! I almost got sucked into selfish service, hah! The blessing of such service was definitely meant for another…not for one motivated by pride.
The Lord’s compassion is so very amazing. My shame did not last but a few minutes. For I did not feel condemned. I felt convicted, convicted to more closely guard my heart for God. I was grateful, grateful for a love that sets us straight. I hung up the phone – saved from following a carnal desire.
Oh, there have been, and will be, other such situations, and there will be some successes, and some failures. But through them all, we can be sure that God is ready and willing to help us check our motives. And because of His great love and mercy, we can be sure that not all the blessings will be for another.
“All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives
are weighed by the Lord.” Proverbs 13:2
Blessings,
Susanne
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