Years ago, when I first became a store manager for a major retailer, I was sent to training. They showed us multiple scenarios and taught us how to handle them. One such series of videos had people acting out of character and then trying hard to justify their behavior. They taught us not to overreact in those situations. Instead, we were to take the person to a private office to have a conversation. We were to point to the behavior, state that it was out of character and then ask, “What do I need to know about what’s going on in your life?” That question would often reveal hidden situations or motives behind their behavior. Once we discovered the heart of the issue, we could change the behavior.
In Luke 12, Jesus was teaching on hypocrisy when someone called out from the crowd, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me!” On the surface, it sounds like a reasonable request and one that’s justified. Also, in those days, rabbis would solve such problems for people. However, Jesus didn’t resolve the matter for him. Instead, He said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own” (NLT). Jesus didn’t treat the issue; He treated the heart. The man was hiding behind fairness, security and justice, but Jesus saw the hidden motive and addressed it.
Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” We all fall into the hidden motives trap. Our requests to God for things or justification to others for our actions come from selfish motives at times. David knew that about himself and prayed this prayer often. When you ask God to look in your heart, test your thoughts and to point out things that offend Him, He will point to the root of the issue because that’s the only way to deal with fruit from hidden motives. We must be willing to be honest about what’s really going on inside and be willing to repent so that He can lead us along the path to everlasting life.
Chris Hendrix
Chris is a lay minister who sees his corporate job as his fundraiser to do missions and ministry. He's a certified John Maxwell trainer, speaker, and coach who has experienced rock bottom in life and God's all sufficient grace. He writes encouraging devotions daily at www.DevotionsByChris.com.