How can believers today ensure their motives align with God's will?

◄ Align motives with God's will today? ►

Setting the Scene: Simon’s Misplaced Request

“Give me this authority as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:19)

Simon wanted spiritual power for personal prestige. Peter’s rebuke (vv. 20-21) shows that God weighs motives before He honors any request.

Recognize the Temptation Behind Wrong Motives

• Wanting influence more than intimacy with God

• Treating spiritual gifts as commodities to enhance reputation

• Seeking quick results instead of Spirit-formed character

Core Truths That Guard the Heart

• God alone gives every gift; they cannot be purchased or earned (Acts 8:20; 1 Corinthians 4:7).

• The Lord weighs hidden intentions (Proverbs 16:2; 1 Samuel 16:7).

• Pure motives invite God’s favor; impure motives hinder prayer (James 4:3).

Key Principles for Aligning Motives

• Pursue God’s glory, not self-promotion (1 Corinthians 10:31).

• Submit desires to Scripture; let the Word expose and correct (Hebrews 4:12).

• Invite continual heart inspection by the Spirit (Psalm 139:23-24).

• Walk in Spirit-led humility, serving rather than using people (Philippians 2:3-4).

• Cultivate contentment; godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).

Practical Steps for Today

1. Start each day surrendering plans to God: “Your will be done.”

2. Compare every ambition with clear biblical commands.

3. Fast from self-promotion: practice unseen acts of service (Matthew 6:3-4).

4. Memorize promise-focused verses that anchor the heart in God’s sufficiency (e.g., Psalm 23:1).

5. Keep short accounts—confess envy, pride, or greed the moment they surface (1 John 1:9).

6. Stay accountable: invite trusted believers to speak truth into your life (Proverbs 27:17).

7. Measure success by faithfulness, not by applause or numbers (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

Encouragement to Press On

As motives are purified, believers experience the freedom and effectiveness Simon sought—yet on God’s terms, for God’s glory, by God’s power.