What practical steps can we take to evaluate our spiritual disciplines' sincerity? Zechariah 7:5—God Questions Our Motives “Ask all the people of the land and the priests: ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted?’” (Zechariah 7:5) Why Sincerity Matters • God looks past activity to attitude (1 Samuel 16:7). • Empty practices rob us of joy and testimony (Matthew 6:1). • True worshipers must worship “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). Practical Steps to Test Our Heart • Invite God’s Searchlight – Pray Psalm 139:23-24; let the Spirit expose hidden motives (Hebrews 4:12). • Compare Intentions with Scripture – Ask: “Does this discipline aim to glorify God?” (Colossians 3:17). – Measure actions against Isaiah 58:3-7 to see if compassion accompanies ritual. • Examine the Fruit – Look for growing love, humility, obedience (Galatians 5:22-23; James 1:22-27). – If bitterness, pride, or indifference increase, motives need realignment. • Seek Honest Accountability – Share goals with a trusted believer (Proverbs 27:17). – Invite loving questions about consistency and attitude (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Refresh the Purpose Regularly – Before each fast, prayer time, or giving act, state aloud: “Lord, this is for You.” – Meditate on Romans 12:1-2 to keep worship living and holy, not mechanical. Warning Signs of Hollow Discipline • Frustration when unnoticed by others (Matthew 6:16). • Using the practice to bargain with God instead of drawing near. • Neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness while keeping the ritual (Micah 6:8; Matthew 23:23). • Measuring success purely by completion, not by heart change. Staying Genuine Going Forward • Test yourself periodically (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Keep disciplines varied and Scripture-saturated to avoid autopilot. • Celebrate small evidences of transformed character—signs your practices are “really for Me.” |
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