How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, not self-interest? Setting the Scene in Zechariah Zechariah 7:6: “And when you were eating and drinking, were you not simply feasting for yourselves?” • The Judeans had observed fasts for decades, yet the Lord asked whether those acts were really for Him. • Their rituals were outwardly religious but inwardly self-centered. • Because Scripture records this exchange as literal history, it serves as a timeless mirror for our own motives. The Core Issue: Self-Interest Over God’s Pleasure • God was not condemning eating, drinking, or even fasting; He was exposing hearts that sought personal satisfaction rather than His glory. • When devotion becomes a means to advance comfort, reputation, or control, it ceases to be worship. • True obedience is measured by whether the Lord is the audience and beneficiary of each act. Principles for Aligning Actions with God’s Will • Start with God’s Word — If Scripture commands, approve, or exemplifies it, we do it (James 1:22). — If Scripture forbids or warns against it, we refuse it (Psalm 119:9-11). • Check the Motive — Ask, “Would I still do this if no one noticed?” (Matthew 6:1-4). — Seek God’s kingdom first, not personal acclaim (Matthew 6:33). • Aim for God’s Glory — “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). — Glory shifts the spotlight from self to the Savior. • Submit the Heart Daily — Present your body “as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1-2). — Invite the Lord to search and purify motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Walk in the Spirit — Self-interest thrives in the flesh; alignment grows as we “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16-25). — The Spirit never leads contrary to the written Word. Living It Out Today • Plan with Prayer: Before scheduling, purchases, or commitments, pause and ask, “Lord, is this Your pleasure or merely mine?” • Use Scripture as a Filter: Keep a verse in view (e.g., Colossians 3:17) when deciding how to spend money, time, or influence. • Seek Counsel: Mature believers help expose blind spots (Proverbs 15:22). • Track the Fruit: Actions aligned with God’s will produce love, joy, peace, and humility, not envy or pride (Galatians 5:22-23). • Celebrate God, Not Self: When good results come, publicly thank Him rather than drawing credit to yourself (1 Peter 4:11). Other Scriptures that Confirm the Lesson • Isaiah 58:3-7 — Fasts that ignore justice and mercy displease God. • Micah 6:8 — He requires us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. • James 4:3 — Prayers driven by selfish motives go unanswered. • 1 Corinthians 13:3 — Even sacrificial acts are worthless without love. • Galatians 2:20 — Life now belongs to Christ, not to self. Takeaway Truths • God sees not only what we do but why we do it. • Alignment with His will begins with a heart surrendered to His Word and Spirit. • Self-interest is displaced when God’s glory becomes our consuming goal. • Regular self-examination, guided by Scripture, keeps worship genuine and obedience sincere. |
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