"All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits." I can usually find a good reason for my deeds, but the Lord shines His holy light on the thoughts that preceded them. What were the motivations behind the actions? Whatever I tell myself--or others--the Lord knows if I do things to glorify His name, or my own.
If any good comes out of my mouth, it is only because the Lord prepared my heart. (Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh... Matt. 12:34) Only He can subdue a sinful spirit, and fill the void with His goodness.
Pro. 16:3 gives us the summary formula: "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established." Disciplining myself to do what the Lord asks will give Him space and authority to alter the attitudes that shape my motivations.
If my enemy is hungry, I am to give him food. If someone reviles me because of my faith, I am to pray for them. If I am abused or despised, I am commanded to give blessing in return. The actions are done out of a trusting obedience, leaving the final resolutions to the Lord. Submission to His sovereignty and Lordship will create in me a humble heart, ready to speak as His Spirit leads.
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