“All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighted by the Lord.” Proverbs 16:2
It is critically important that as individuals, ministers and counselors that we come to terms with a basic flaw in our nature. We have the tendency to think that whatever we are doing is ok. The danger isn’t really in the things that are obviously sin such as killing, adultery and so forth. The real danger is when it appears to be a good thing.
We must never forget that the Lord weighs the motives of our heart. This is a comfort to the righteous. All we must do is acknowledge are basic flows and then listen for God’s instruction in a matter. Keep in mind what James 4:3 states; “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.â€
There have been many times that the reason a person came in for counseling is because they were doing something that was hurtful, destructive or simply sinful. Rather that acknowledging their wrong they defend it. There have also been those times when I was convinced that what the person was doing was ok, until the Holy Spirit revealed to me that it was the motive in which they were doing it that was a problem. This can often be the case in marriage situations. One spouse can be controlling or critical while all the time thinking that they are doing a good thing.Â
If we desire to live godly lives and have healthy relationships we must listen to the Holy Spirit and correct our actions and motives no matter how right they seem to us.Â
Blessings,
Dr. David M. Smuin
Tags: Counseling, Motives