Perspective shift – Intent, Motive, and Direction

‘The intentions of the heart belong to a man, but the answer of the tongue comes from the Lord. All a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord evaluates the motives.” Proverbs 16:1-2 (NET)

“A person plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NET)

Let's get a deeper understanding of this perspective shift. This verse is often taught regarding things like choosing a career, investing money, marriage, geographical location, and things of this nature. This is accurate but there is so much more to be gleaned, morsels of wisdom that go farther than major life choices. The reflection of the WORD is that transformation begins in the believer with the inner man. This begins at the point of choosing to have faith in the finished work of JESUS at Calvary and in His resurrection. By simply believing in the finished work of Jesus Christ we become a new creation. This is called being born again!

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

The Finished Work of Jesus is beautifully manifested in the following passages.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

“After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now accomplished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, He said, “I’m thirsty!” A jar full of sour wine was sitting there; so, they fixed a sponge full of sour wine on hyssop and held it up to His mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” John 19:28-30 Holman Christian Standard Bible

We have choices. However, as descendants of Adam and Eve possessing the human sin nature, we cannot fulfill these choices in our own strength, wisdom, talents, resources, and understanding. God, in His infinite wisdom, looks at our heart, our motives, and our mindsets.

As humans, we can choose to do right or desire to do right, but the strength to make right choices manifest comes only from the strength of God's Spirit. This is the fallibility of human nature. A life compiled of choices that have motive and intent to honor God, to live a life of honesty, loyalty, faithfulness, and integrity. A life filled with compassion, in communion and relationship, a heart softened to God, these are the "plans of the heart."

All we have is our choice. We have no strength to fulfill the desire or will outside of complete dependence on God. "He directs our steps and weighs our hearts and motives". Stay humble and beware of the motives of your heart. Are they for selfish personal gain or to live right by God?

When we stumble in our humanity, this is a great indicator of motive and intent. Did we act out of selfishness, pride, or other things in our heart that are not God honoring. Be quick to confess, admit, and be accountable. Ask God to clean your motives and He will. But you must choose, intentionally. Be mindful of human nature’s frailty. Fix your intentions, motives, and directions on God. Then remember that all growth and change come only from Abba.

“Create in me a clean heart O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (KJV)

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 (KJV)

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (NIV)

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-11 (NKJV)

Friends, Jesus Christ is our strength.

Be blessed and be a blessing. Agape love is contagious