Motives really do matter. We see this in our lives all the time. The husband wants to buy a new set of golf clubs, so he lavishes his wife with compliments. The child wants a new video game, so he shoves his toys under his bed and tells his parents how he's kept his room clean. We give an extra $10 to church this week because we want to be blessed back.
The actions in and of themselves are good, but the motivation makes them illegitimate.
Isaiah 64 reminds us of the seriousness of sin and sinful motives: "We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind" (Isaiah 64:6).
Our righteous actions separated from the right motives are like filthy rags to God. If our righteous actions are like filthy rages, what do our sins look like to God?
Today, if you're feeling like your prayers are ineffective. If you feel like your actions are meaningless, consider your motives -- consider your unconfessed sin before God.
God desire to answer our prayers and to bless us. Let's remove the barriers and watch God move.
Reflect: Read Isaiah 46. How does God compare to the false gods in verses 1-2? How does God care for His people?
Respond: God cares for His children, but He wants to bless us even more. Ask God to search your heart and reveal any unconfessed sin. Take time and confess your sins to God. Then watch God move in your life.
We look forward to your comments and questions below!
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