INTRODUCTION

The Lord is just as concerned with why a man does what he does as He is concerned with what the man does. Many times the best way to expose one’s motives involves asking and answering the simple question, “Why?” It was this question that the Lord asked to identify the motive of Cain’s anger (Genesis 4:6And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
See All...). The Lord used the same question to shed light on the motive for the disobedience of His people in 2 Chronicles 24:20And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.
See All.... The Lord does not ask in order to gain an understanding for Himself. Rather, He asks man questions so that man might examine his own heart for the motives behind his actions. This same question will most likely resurface in some way at the judgment seat of Christ when men’s motives are most thoroughly examined.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God is aware of why we do what we do (1 Samuel 2:3Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
  See All...b; Jeremiah 17:10I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
  See All...). Compare what these people gave to the work of God: 1 Chronicles 29:17I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
  See All... and Acts 5:1-5 [1] But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, [2] And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. [3] But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? [4] Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. [5] And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
  See All...; 7-9. Whose hearts were right and who wanted to impress others?
• (For everyone): Take some time to look up the word why in the Bible. What verses stand out as ones where the Lord asked men why they did something?
• The question why causes us to look inward. Why do you serve the Lord? Why do you live a holy life? Why do you do any particular act? If you are not living a holy life or serving the Lord, why not?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to show you why you do what you do.
• Thank God for the opportunity to perfect your motives here.

HYMN

A CHARGE TO KEEP I HAVE

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