Motive

Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity. I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.  For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.

—Psalm 26:2-3 NLT

No one else can see the motive of your heart but God. People may judge your reasons, but they can’t possibly know the intricacies of your heart. That is why God tells us that we are not to judge others. No one wishes to be measured and weighed and examined by someone else. Only God has that right. Remember that what you desire to be extended to you, is also for you to extend in return.

Only the Lord can declare you innocent. Only He has the power to set you free from jealousy and anger and bitterness and the destructive force of what you consider your right to be angry. No one else. Only He knows if you have acted with integrity or not. Perhaps others speak of your actions without understanding. Don’t judge them in return as they have judged you.

Have you trusted in the Lord without wavering?  Have you asked Him to test the motive of your heart?  Do you know that the Lord who examines you is also the One who already knows your motive?  Surrendering to His examination makes you aware of what He sees in you. Until you surrender to His honest scrutiny, you will not know if you have lived according to His truth. Until you are continually examined, you will never know the peace that comes from His unfailing love.

He already knows your motives. Perhaps it is time for you to know, too. Are you willing?

©2018 Lynn Lacher

www.lynnlacher.com/2018/07/motive.html