Motives of the Heart

     Mother Teresa said, "God doesn't look at how much we do but with how much love we do it." I like that statement as it reminds me that I can be busy "doing" and really not doing much of it in love. Recently I was asked to call a woman I didn't know and pray with her. I left a message and the next day left another message with her son. I was a bit perturbed at that point as the son noted he wasn't sure when she'd be able to get back to me. Later the Holy Spirit convicted me that I had not handled the situation correctly. I was impatient and inconvenienced rather than acting in love and mercy. I asked God to forgive me and bless the woman for my lack of obedience and submission to God.
     I'm good at doing, but my motives are not always in the right place. A friend and I discussed lately how much damage we can do in people's lives if we are doing things out of God's will because we are trying to look good in the eyes of others or feel good about ourselves. God knows the motives of our hearts. The only one's we are fooling are ourselves because even children can tell when we are being insincere in our words, actions and deeds. KT

I'm ready for the flowers and colors of spring. 

^{I Corinthians 4:5} Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.