To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue. All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. The Lord works out everything for His own ends- even the wicked for a day of disaster. The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Proverbs 16:1-5
So often I look at people and their actions and think, “How did they come to the determination that this behavior is ok?” Still I see other people acting, well honestly, like toddlers demanding their own way and railroading anyone who disagrees with them. They seek to destroy those who dare to question them. It can be shocking. Then I always think of the above portion of scripture that states, “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” This continually causes me to keep myself accountable. When I see people championing things that are clearly not from God, I think to myself, “Somewhere in their hearts they have found a way to validate this behavior.” And this is where America is today.
Thousands of people are living from a place of wounding, both inside and outside of the church. Many of them fatherless. Far too many who have never heard the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and some who have only seen the negative sides of the church. They operate under a great amount of assumption and lump everyone into one category without realizing that each of us is different and in all things, there are the good and bad eggs.
Thus, the plans of the heart are borne and from that foundation they are broken from the start.
This story has two sides. One looks at the plans and motivations of others. When I see a movement or a person moving in a motivated direction, I ask God to show me the true motives and heart of it before I join the cause. I will never simply join in on anything. In everything I present to God my options and ask Him to direct me to only partner with things that are founded upon Him. We are responsible to do this, as believers. It’s not up to others to make us aware. We are each responsible to go to God and determine what is true and noble.
The second side is far more personal. We must each weigh our own motives. We are responsible for bringing our hearts before God for regular inspection. That’s a personal responsibility. We don’t just get saved and then suddenly our hearts never lead us astray. No, we must continually bring all our thoughts and motives before God and give Him permission to weed out our motives. On this earth, we will never achieve perfection, therefore we know that any of us can succumb to deception if we aren’t careful and ever aware. So, as an act of humility and surrender, will you present your heart to God and allow Him to weigh each of your motives and guide and direct you to the truth?
Prayer Moment: God, I know that as a human, I am susceptible to deception. Please guide and direct me always. Give me wisdom to remain in a posture of humility before You because I know that only You know my heart. I give myself to You completely. I am Yours. In Jesus name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 