Sermon: 12/28/25- Tuesday's Devotional

Checking Your Heart
Reading: 1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 139:23-24

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit." Paul's words cut deep because they address not just our actions, but our motivations. We can do all the "right things" while harboring wrong motives—seeking recognition, earning points, or maintaining appearances. God looks at the heart. This requires honest self-examination that only the Holy Spirit can facilitate. We must regularly pray, "Search me, God, and know my heart." Admitting our motives aren't pure doesn't disqualify us; it positions us for transformation. The church answer comes easily, but God desires heart-level honesty. When we confess, "My heart isn't where it needs to be," we open the door for the Holy Spirit to do His transforming work.

Reflection Question: What "good thing" are you doing that might be motivated more by obligation than love for God?