NOVEMBER 24
“For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7 ESV)
When I asked one of my kids to do a chore, it was obvious this chore wasn’t their top priority or passion at the moment. My slightly grumpy child obliged, obeying out of necessity, but only putting in partial effort. That’s when I slipped into fatherly lecture mode, teaching about the importance of putting your heart into what you do.
I’ve learned that whenever your heart isn’t right with God, whatever you do will be a struggle. Perhaps that’s why Jesus told us that before we give a gift at the altar, we should make sure we are right with other people (see Matt. 5:23–24). Jesus also quoted Isaiah and said that some people would honor him with their lips but their hearts were far from him (see Matt. 15:8).
Any time we obey God but demand that he give us our desired results, we are not obeying with the right heart. We don’t obey God so he will bless us. We obey him because we love him. I’m convinced that there are times God doesn’t change our situations because he is trying to change our hearts.
Take a moment to examine your heart. Are you struggling with being thankful and praising God for what he’s given you? Where is your true devotion? Are you seeking God with true purity of heart?
If not, it’s time to change.
Because more than anything else, God wants your heart.
Power Lift
Jesus, I surrender my attitude and motives and want to make sure my heart is right with you. Forgive me for my sins and restore my focus on loving you.
Groeschel, Craig. Daily Power: 365 Days of Fuel for Your Soul. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2017. Print.