Begins Within! (part 3 of 3)

My stuff! My ideas! My plans! My way! When my focus is on me and your focus is on you, what happens between us? How can we unite in service for the common good? Then, when we allow such an attitude to be reflected in our relationship to God, what becomes of the possibility of service for Him? Some look to God as a "Cosmic Santa Claus" to whom they offer up their list so they can live life the way they want. Is there anything about our life that may indicate our own self as being our higher purpose?

Continuing into the next verse from James chapter four that we have noted that past two days, James stated. . .

"(3) You ask and do not receive, because YOU ASK WRONGLY, TO SPEND IT ON YOUR PASSIONS. " ( James 4:3 ESV)

One reason for not receiving is not asking. James noted that in verse two. Another reason for not receiving is WRONG MOTIVES. Perhaps we would do well to seriously consider why we ask God for some of the things we ask. Who is it for? Who will it glorify? Whose purposes is it most linked to? What is the benefit it will provide? How essential is it? Can you think of other such questions beneficial to pinning down what is truly behind our desires when we make our requests to God? Prayers merely focused on gratifying our own selfish passions rather than seeking to honor God and His Will are not pleasing to Him.

Paul exhorted those at Corinth . . .
"(31) So, whether you eat or drink, or WHATEVER YOU DO, DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD." ( 1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)

I like to eat. It is pleasurable. There are a variety of beverages I enjoy drinking. God created us with taste buds and noses that can really appreciate food. There are many other things God has given us the ability to enjoy. However, the pleasure we experience is to be properly associated with His Will. Even when it is about self, it is still about God! Let us therefore continue bearing in mind that what is behind our actions always begins with the desires within. May that DESIRE BE TO PLEASE GOD AND SPEND OUR LIFE FOR HIS WILL. That is the greatest MOTIVE for going to Him in prayer.

Have a great day MAKING A HEART CONNECTION WITH GOD'S EAR!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on self-centeredness