How can we ensure our intentions align with God's will in ministry?

◄ Align ministry with God's will? ►

The Heart of the Matter

“You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.” (Acts 8:21)

Simon wanted power, but the apostle exposed his deeper problem: an unrighteous heart. Ministry that pleases God begins with motives submitted to Him.

Recognize the Danger of Mixed Motives

• Personal glory (Acts 8:9–11)

• Financial gain (1 Timothy 6:5)

• Human applause (Matthew 6:1–2)

• Control or influence (3 John 9)

Any of these can twist good activities into self-promotion. Acts 8:21 warns that God reads the heart behind every action (1 Samuel 16:7).

Practical Steps to Align Intentions

1. Continuous Heart Examination

• Psalm 139:23-24 – invite the Lord to search and expose hidden motives.

• Lamentations 3:40 – “Let us examine and test our ways…”

• Keep short accounts: confess as soon as the Spirit convicts (1 John 1:9).

2. Saturation in Scripture

• Hebrews 4:12 – the Word “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

• Joshua 1:8 – meditate day and night; Scripture reshapes desires to match God’s.

3. Dependence on the Spirit

• Galatians 5:16 – walk by the Spirit to silence fleshly ambition.

• Romans 8:14 – “all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”

4. Motivated by Love

• 1 Corinthians 13:3 – service without love “profits me nothing.”

• 2 Corinthians 5:14 – Christ’s love compels genuine ministry.

5. Humble Accountability

• Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpens iron.”

• Allow trusted believers to question attitudes and decisions (Hebrews 3:13).

6. Serve in Hiddenness When Possible

• Matthew 6:3-4 – do good “in secret”; unseen service purifies intentions.

• Colossians 3:23 – work “for the Lord, not for men.”

7. Keep the Gospel Central

• Philippians 1:15-18 – motives collapse when Christ’s fame, not ours, is the main goal.

• Acts 20:24 – value finishing Christ’s task above personal cost or credit.

Lessons from Contrasting Examples

• Simon the Sorcerer: outward profession, inward craving for status (Acts 8:18-19).

• Barnabas: sold property quietly, built up others, sought no spotlight (Acts 4:36-37; 11:24). Aim to imitate Barnabas, not Simon.

Living Today with a Right Heart

• Start each assignment by declaring, “Lord, this is Yours.”

• Regularly revisit Acts 8:21 as a mirror for the soul.

• Measure success by faithfulness, not numbers or recognition (1 Corinthians 4:2).

When motives stay tethered to God’s glory, ministry flows from a purified heart, and we share fully in the work He entrusts.