Does God care about our Motives? "The Lord's searchlight penetrates the human spirit, exposing hidden motives." (Proverbs 20:27). "The Lord doen't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions. God judges us by our motives. What are some wrong motives? "Jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and motivated by the Devil." (James 3:15). "We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was right. God is displeased when we are motivated by jealousy. "But Mother!" Jacob replied. "......He'll see that I'm trying to trick him, and then He'll curse me instead of blessing me." (Genesis 27:11,12). Fear of getting caught is not a good motive. "Saul thought to himself, "I'll send him out against the Philistines and let them kill him rather than doing it myself." (I Sam. 18:17). It is evil to desire harm for another. What are some right motives? "When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, 'What can I do for you before I am taken away.' And Elisha replied, 'Please let me become your rightful successor." (II Kings 2:9). Wanting to follow in the footsteps of a Godly man is a noble motive. "Give me wisdom and knowledge to rule them properly, for who is able to govern this great nation of yours? So Solomon's motive, to serve God and rule well and not to serve himself, was very pleasing to God." "Once more he asked him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' Peter........said, 'Lord you know everything. You know I love you.' Jesus said, 'Then feed my sheep." God wants us to feed his people out of love for Jesus. Promise From God: If you plot evil, you will be lost; but if you plan good, you will be granted unfailing love and faithfulness. In Jesus Name, Amen.