How can we ensure our motives are pure when seeking God's guidance? Setting the Stage from Zechariah 7:2 “Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regemmelech, together with their men, to entreat the LORD.” • A delegation travels to Jerusalem, asking whether they must keep an annual fast. • God answers by exposing their motives (vv. 4-10), showing He cares more about the heart than the ritual. Seeing the Heart Issue • Their trip looked spiritual, yet God asked, “Was it really for Me that you fasted?” (v. 5). • Pure guidance begins where they stumbled—at motive level. Principle 1 – Invite a Heart Audit • Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God… see if there is any offensive way in me.” • Hebrews 4:12: the Word “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Practical step: – Before asking for direction, pause and let specific Scripture expose hidden self-interest. Principle 2 – Measure Motives by God’s Glory • 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” • James 4:3 warns that requests go unanswered when aimed “to spend it on your pleasures.” Questions to ask ourselves (silently, not for group discussion): – Does this request magnify His name or mine? – Would I still want it if no one but God ever knew? Principle 3 – Align with Revealed Commands Zechariah 7:9-10 lists what God already told them to do—“Administer true justice; show loving devotion… do not oppress…” • Pure motives flow from obedience to what is clear before seeking what is unclear. • John 14:21: love for Christ shows up in obeying His commandments. Checklist: – Am I walking in known obedience (truthfulness, sexual purity, generosity, forgiveness)? – Any ongoing disobedience muddies motive clarity. Principle 4 – Cultivate Humble Dependence • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • 1 Peter 5:5-6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Ways to stay low: – Acknowledge inability to direct your own steps (Jeremiah 10:23). – Thank God in advance for whatever answer He gives. Principle 5 – Keep Compassion Central Zechariah’s correction linked impure motives with neglect of the vulnerable. • Isaiah 58:6-7 shows true seeking of God expressed in helping the oppressed. Practical application: – Pair times of seeking guidance with acts of mercy (visiting the sick, serving the needy). – Mercy kills selfishness, making room for pure motives. Principle 6 – Seek Spirit-Led Community Input • Proverbs 11:14: “With many counselors there is victory.” • Acts 13:1-3: leaders prayed and confirmed Paul’s call together. Actions: – Share your decision process with mature believers who will probe motives. – Welcome correction without defensiveness. Principle 7 – Watch for the Fruit Test • Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, etc., accompany the Spirit’s leading. • A restless, divided heart often signals impure motives. • Peace and increasing Christlike character point to purified intentions. Putting It All Together Pure motives are not mystical; they emerge when we: 1. Let Scripture search us. 2. Aim at God’s glory above personal benefit. 3. Obey what we already know to be His will. 4. Maintain humility, compassion, and accountability. Walking this way, we can, like Sharezer and Regemmelech should have, “entreat the LORD” with hearts that please Him and receive unclouded guidance. |
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