Heart Posture
Scripture:
“People look at the outward appearance, but Adonai looks at the heart.”
— 1 Samuel 16:7 (CJB)
Reflection:
One of the hardest questions we can ask ourselves is not, “What am I doing?” but rather, “Why am I doing it?”
Many times we find ourselves wrestling with decisions, wondering if we’re doing the right thing. We may ask if someone else caused us to act a certain way, if circumstances forced our hand, or if God is truly leading us in a particular direction. The answer often comes back to one simple place: our heart posture.
Only you truly know what God has placed on your heart. Only you know the motives behind your actions. Did you follow through with what God asked you to do, or did you choose another path? Are you feeling conviction because you’ve ignored God’s leading, or are you feeling pressure because others don’t understand your obedience?
Sometimes the world will make you feel guilty for doing exactly what God has called you to do. Other times, conviction comes because deep down we know we’ve stepped away from His direction. The difference is found in our heart posture before Him.
Before making a decision, ask yourself:
- Where is my heart in this?
- What is my motive?
- Am I seeking God’s will or my own?
- Am I being obedient, or am I trying to justify what I already want to do?
Most importantly, never claim that God told you to do something when He didn’t. God’s name is not a tool to justify our desires. When God speaks, His guidance is holy and true. We must be careful to honor Him by being honest about what He has and has not asked of us.
When your heart is surrendered to God and your desire is to obey Him, you can walk forward with confidence, knowing that your steps are being directed by the One who sees beyond appearances and looks directly at the heart.
Encouragement:
Today, spend a few moments examining your heart before God. Ask Him to reveal your motives, correct your direction where needed, and strengthen your desire to follow Him above the opinions of others. A heart fully surrendered to Christ will always find peace in obedience.
—
-Rev Carlos Figueroa
TheFreeBible.Org
