Isaiah 29:13

Matthew 7:21-23

The unpleasant reality is that there are people out there who claim to follow and worship God, but as we see in Matthew, God clearly states that their hearts are not with Him. In Matthew, God says, “I never knew you” to these kinds of people, meaning they didn’t have a real relationship with Him. They spoke well and did outward works well, but it wasn’t because of a relationship with God, therefore it wasn’t truly for God. Romans 8:7-9 tells us that our flesh cannot please God. Once we are saved by faith in Jesus, then we have His Spirit to help us live for Him. But apart from that, we cannot please God. Therefore, these works, prophecies, miracles, and other acts done in the name of God were never truly FOR the One, True God. They were done for hidden, selfish motives. 

This appears to be a gross manipulation of the power and the name of God, all for personal desires or a “dream” that people may have. God’s name, God’s power, and what He can do should never be taken lightly and never manipulated or mocked. Clearly, this is evil in the sight of God. 

We must be careful to examine our motives for why we do things for God’s kingdom or for the church. This is because it is also possible that, while we have a saving relationship with Jesus, we allow our hearts to become selfish and have an ulterior motive other than for honoring God. 

When feeling led to do something for the church or for God, I encourage you to check your heart. Is this truly for God? Or is there something else that might benefit you, another person, or something you are partial to? It is uncomfortable to look inward and ask yourself, “Why do I want to do this? Where is this desire coming from?” But it's imperative to examine our hearts’ motives so we don’t fall into attempting to manipulate our wonderful and powerful Heavenly Father. 

In both Colossians 3:17 and 1 Corinthians 10:31, we are told to do everything for the glory of God. We can still do things –we must do things – from the mundane to the moments that are bigger than we can handle and have to trust God in them. But again, we must make sure that the motive of our hearts is focused on loving and obeying God and nothing else that might have our allegiance or desires. 

• What are some practical ways we can examine our motives? 
• Who in your life can help point out when your heart may not be where it should be? 
• How can we discern whether our motives are truly for God and not rooted in hidden sin?
• Have you ever done something you believed was for God, but later realized it wasn’t what He wanted? If so, what happened? 

Take a few quiet minutes and write down one recent thing you’ve done for God. Then ask yourself: Why did I do this? Would I have done it if no one noticed? Pray and ask God to search your heart and reveal if your motives are truly for Him.

God, You are amazing, and there is no one like You! Please help me to remember that and work for You so that You are glorified, not me. When You whisper to me to examine my motives, please help me to listen and obey. Thank You for all You do for me. Amen.