- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Messages
- 18,404
[
What are you doing that for?
'When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.' JAMES 4:3
What am I doing this for?' It's a good question to ask yourself often; especially when you're praying! Sometimes we can seem to be doing something good and right but the reason behind what we're doing is all wrong. You might look good making a cup of tea for your dad and buying him his favourite chocolate bar, but if you're doing this because you've just had your mobile phone bill and want him to pay for it; then your reason for being kind is all wrong.
The Bible says in 1 Samuel 16:7 'People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart'. You might be able to fool people that you are doing things because you are such a lovely person, but you can't fool God; He looks right through you and sees the reasons behind your actions. Always check your reason for praying is a good one not a selfish one.
Why are you praying for this person or situation? Is it just to make your life easier? God wants our reason for doing things to be because we love Him and because we love people. Being selfish, revengeful or manipulative, will get you nowhere with God. In fact He says if we ask Him for good stuff but our motive is wrong, then forget it. He's not interested, we won't get it! So, why are you doing that?
written by Bob Gass
What are you doing that for?
'When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.' JAMES 4:3
What am I doing this for?' It's a good question to ask yourself often; especially when you're praying! Sometimes we can seem to be doing something good and right but the reason behind what we're doing is all wrong. You might look good making a cup of tea for your dad and buying him his favourite chocolate bar, but if you're doing this because you've just had your mobile phone bill and want him to pay for it; then your reason for being kind is all wrong.
The Bible says in 1 Samuel 16:7 'People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart'. You might be able to fool people that you are doing things because you are such a lovely person, but you can't fool God; He looks right through you and sees the reasons behind your actions. Always check your reason for praying is a good one not a selfish one.
Why are you praying for this person or situation? Is it just to make your life easier? God wants our reason for doing things to be because we love Him and because we love people. Being selfish, revengeful or manipulative, will get you nowhere with God. In fact He says if we ask Him for good stuff but our motive is wrong, then forget it. He's not interested, we won't get it! So, why are you doing that?
written by Bob Gass
