Honesty

Yesterday we saw that Satan is in the business of questioning our motives. In the case of Job, his motives were pure, so when he was tested by fire, he came out refined. Reading this story it is easy to be swept away with the idea that Satan tests us. But we must also remember that if when we are tested our motives are found to be impure the outcome of our trials will be different from Job’s. We need to be honest with ourselves and constantly ask, ‘What is the motive behind what I am doing? Is it self-seeking? Am I hoping to please others? Do I want people to look at me?’ One of my favourite prayer topics is found in Psalms 51 and 139.

Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. (NLT)

Psalm 139: 23-24 - 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. (NLT)

If we truly allow the Lord to search our hearts and reveal our true motives when Satan comes knocking, we will find that he has no place in us and his tests will come to nothing.

Ephesians 4:27 - Neither give place to the devil. (KJV)

Questions for reflection: Am I honest with myself? Have I asked the Lord to search my heart? Am I willing to work with the Holy Spirit to develop a clean and pure heart?