What other scriptures warn against insincere motives in serving God? Acts 8:21—A Heart Exposed “You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God.” (Acts 8:21) Simon wanted spiritual power for personal prestige. Peter’s rebuke reminds us that God’s work cannot be bought, manipulated, or used as a platform for self-promotion. Scripture keeps echoing that warning. Motives Matter to God • 1 Samuel 16:7 — “For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” • Proverbs 16:2 — “All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.” • Jeremiah 17:10 — “I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind, to reward a man according to his way.” Jesus’ Straight Talk on Hidden Agendas • Matthew 6:1–2 — “Be careful not to practice your righteousness before men to be seen by them… when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet.” • Matthew 6:5 — “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing… to be seen by men.” • Matthew 15:8–9 — “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain.” • Luke 18:14 — The tax collector, not the proud Pharisee, “went home justified… for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled.” Prophets Who Called Out Empty Religion • Isaiah 1:13 — “Bring your worthless offerings no more; incense is detestable to Me.” • Isaiah 58:3–4 — Fasting used as a show “ends in strife and contention.” • Malachi 1:10 — “Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors… I am not pleased with you.” • Micah 6:6–8 — Rituals mean nothing without “to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Apostolic Echoes • 1 Corinthians 4:5 — The Lord “will expose the motives of men’s hearts.” • 1 Corinthians 13:1–3 — Ministry without love gains “nothing.” • Galatians 1:10 — “Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God?” • Philippians 1:15–17 — Some preach “out of envy and rivalry.” • James 4:3 — Prayers go unanswered “because you ask with wrong motives.” • 1 Peter 5:2 — Lead “not for shameful gain, but eager to serve.” Practical Takeaways • Check the why before the what. God weighs motives before actions. • Service gains eternal value only when love for Christ, not personal acclaim, drives it. • Hidden agendas eventually surface; the Lord will “bring to light what is hidden in darkness.” • True worship flows from a surrendered heart, not from gifts, positions, or public applause. |
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