Motives

This morning I heard a song by Chris Sligh (Empty Me).

Through the lyrics one thing that stood out was “empty me so that I can be filled with YOU”. More of Him and less of me:

2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

John 3:30 - He must increase, but I [must] decrease.

Then the LORD brought to mind something I had read, sometime ago, in Chuck Swindoll’s book, "Improving Your Serve":

“WHAT’S YOUR MOTIVE?”
Why are you planning this?
What’s the reason behind your doing that?
Why did you say yes (or no)?
What is the motive for writing that letter?
Why are you excited over this opportunity?
What causes you to bring up that subject?
Why did you mention his/her name?
What’s your motive, Leticia?

Wow! Truly lots to pray and meditate on.

Psalm 139:23-24 - Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his
ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Then I remember something my nephew told me (I don’t remember who he was quoting): Maintain integrity in the message (The Word); Purity in the motives (no flattery, no greed, no self-glory, never work to be appreciated); Credibility of service (we are being watched by the sheep and the wolves).

Motives check everyone. I am asking the LORD for purity…with that some things will burn and some will stand. May it ALL be done for the glory of My Heavenly Father and ONLY for His glory.

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.