Motives are fundamental and responsible for turning what we value into action. Our motives are important to God. They answer the “why” of our goals; why we think the way we do, speak the way we do, act the way we do, and even worship the way we do.
God discerns, weighs, and judges our motives to reveal if they are based on obedience and wholehearted love for the Lord and our fellow human beings (Proverbs 16:2; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Hebrews 4:12). Scripture refers to God as a “devouring fire’ for a reason; He purifies us and whatever He leaves remaining is what pleases Him (Hebrews 12:28-29).
Just doing good deeds that make us feel good or look altruistic to others does not make us holy. We must have the right “heart-attitude,” because God is not honored or moved by superficial performance. When we have the right “heart-attitude” it means we have chosen Christ’s holy garments and a humble spiritual posture before God. So, today, let’s get dressed from the inside out with the identity of Christ!
Colossians 3:12-17 NLT 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Prayer: Lord, we are so blessed You want to fill us with the richness of Your glorious presence. May we be filled with excitement and joy to put on the character of our Christ. Help us to humbly treat one another with tenderness, gentleness, and patience. Empower us to believe the best of one another and be quick to forgive. In Jesus’ name. Amen.