Motives

 Exodus 23-24; Psalms 14; Acts 5 

“Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostle’s feet. Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received from the land?’”

Acts 5:1-3

The motives of our heart are seen by the Lord God. Ananias and Sapphira sold their land to impress the Church. Their donation was to gain attention and status within the Church, not to worship the Lord with thanksgiving. They publically announced their donation amount, but gave the amount for the sale of their land that was not true. Their very public deaths, after lying to the Holy Spirit, shocked the Church and reverence for God grew within the Church.

Is there any activity in worship, service, or giving that we are doing to impress others, rather than to thank the Lord?

Will we quiet ourselves in the Lord’s presence, asking him to search our hearts and test our motives?

When our worship, service, and witness are wholehearted, God is glorified.

“Lord Jesus, search my heart and my motives, for your glory.”