Topic: Why Am I Doing This?
Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs and examines the hearts [of people and their motives]. — Proverbs 21:2 (AMP)
Joyce Meyer Devotional 7 July 2020 Message
I like to define a motive as “the why behind the what.” A motive is the reason we do what we do. It’s easy to say what we’re doing with our time, but sometimes we don’t understand why we do what we do. We might be doing something just to be well thought of, when in reality we don’t have the time or energy to do it.
Impure motives can cause countless problems, one of which is being overcommitted, which results in unnecessary stress in our lives. But when we’re obeying God and doing only what He’s asking us to do, we shouldn’t live with extreme stress.
Never agree to do something just to impress people, or out of fear of what they’ll think or say about you if you don’t. When an opportunity comes up, take the motive test—ask yourself, “Why am I doing this? Is this something I’m doing for God or something I’m doing to please people?” Consider the answer, then do what you have peace about doing—no more, and no less (see Colossians 3:15).
Prayer Starter: Father, please help me to use wisdom as I make decisions on when/how much I’m committing myself to do things. Thank You for showing me what’s right in each situation, and for helping me act on the right motives. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
From the book Wake Up to the Word – by
Joyce Meyer Devotional 7 July 2020 – Joyce Meyer is an American Charismatic Christian author and speaker and president of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Joyce and her husband Dave have four grown children
