OUTCRY: God’s Heart For Your ChurchSample

Motive

Many people spend far too much of their precious time trying to discern the thoughts and intentions of others.

I have heard—and have often done this myself—people who speak about large churches and the people who run them. Not just whether or not they like them. Not simply surface critique, but a discussion about their heart and motive.

Worship leaders and speakers are especially notorious about this. The discussion may begin with how the other leader dresses and devolve into a seemingly spiritual exposition on how much of a “show” they put on. Or the “rock star” worship leader mentality we assume they have. We just want to know “where their heart is” or that their “heart is for the Lord” first and foremost. 

Over the years I have gotten to know many of the leaders that people feel so free to judge. And every one of them is imperfect. But most of them are far more humble and normal than you would imagine. They come from churches—that look more like your church than you think—that they pour themselves into. 

Motive is something we can’t know or control in others. Paul told us he doesn’t even concern himself with the motive of other preachers, as long as they preach Jesus. 

And Jesus knew we would have a propensity to get bogged down in the things we can’t control. He knew that we would gravitate toward solving the problems of others. He offers us another way. A way of less burden and worry.

Prayer: God, help me to see people the way you do. As your sons and daughters. Remove judgement from my heart, and help me not to waste time trying to guess others motives. Amen.