Date: Tuesday, 14th January, 2025
Text: Proverbs 16:1-2
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Though the world is full of darkness (evil thoughts and deeds), we are the light of the world. Our duty as light is to shine (reflect the glory or character of God) so that all men may see the light (our good deeds) and glorify God in Heaven.
However, not all good works qualify as good works. There are good works and there are “good works”. The difference is the motive behind each of them. The word of God says, “You may think everything you do is right, but the Lord judges your motives.” Proverbs 16:2 (GNT)
The motives are weighed by God.
The word of God says, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. In other words man is moved by sight or what he sees. But God looks deeper.
It is possible to give all you possess to the poor and still receive no heavenly reward from God if you do so with a selfish motive- 1 Corinthians 13:3.
During the political campaign season you see political office seekers sharing food stuffs, money, socializing with the common people, smiling and pretending to be humble. All of those deeds being done just to woo the voters and get their votes. They go to the nooks and crannies of villages, towns and cities to reach out to potential voters.
But once they get to the office, they find it difficult to continue the “good” rapport between them and the common man- the voters. They become so unapproachable and difficult to reach until the next four years when they want new votes.
God hates hypocrisy. If your good deed must attract the blessings of God, it must be done out of pure love devoid of any selfish motive. This year may the Lord grant your heart desires in Jesus name.
Prayer Nugget: Father, may the thoughts and motives of my heart be motivated by true love and may they be acceptable in thy sight in Jesus name.
Bible In One Year: Genesis 44-46