Submitted by David Miller
We
have all heard the adage that “we can be very earnest about something – and yet
be very earnestly wrong.” It is a very profound statement.
So
often we see this demonstrated in our society. We see people give all they have
to causes that they are very passionate about. We see people pursue beliefs in
life that may not be harmless, but may not be fruitful in the long-run either.
It reminds me of the verse in Proverbs 16:2 that says, “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives
are weighed by the Lord.”
We
can pursue causes or give generously to them but they can all be for nothing.
If I’m giving to charities and serving others simply to “look good” to others,
my works are meaningless in the long-run for the Lord knows and sees where my
heart stands. He knows that I simply did things for “show.” And if
I give all my time and money to something I really do believe in but that cause
goes against the Word of God in some way or form, again, my invested time and
money are worthless.
My
heart and soul and what resides there are very important to the Lord. The
intent, love, purity and motivation that live inside of each one of us weighs
heavily with God.
It’s
so easy to get wrapped up in doing what everyone else is doing, doing things
for the fun of it, or doing things because it looks good that we forget that
the only true way to do things is with love.
Look at how Paul puts it. 1
Corinthians 16:14: Do
everything in love.
It is
important for us to evaluate our own intent and actions every once in a while
to make sure that we have the right motivation and not that we are doing things
simply to fulfill our own fleshly emotions and desires.
God
does want us to serve. But He wants us to serve humbly. He does want us to
pursue our passions. But with prayer. And He does want us to give. But with the
right heart. If we keep these things in mind as our compass, we will never
stray from serving Him with the pure goodness that He can use.
