All The Wrong Reasons
Today’s Bible Reading : Luke 15:25-28
Memory Verse : Luke 15:28
‘And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him.’
Commentary By Andrew Wommack
If this elder son had considered his brother, he would have rejoiced at his return even as his father did. Rather, he was totally self-centered (that’s pride) and became angry. This illustrates Proverbs 13:10; ‘only by pride cometh contention.’
How can we esteem others better than ourselves when in truth we really think we are better than others? Some people are better athletes than others. Some are better businessmen than others. Some are better speakers than others, and so forth. First, we need to recognize that our accomplishments don’t make us better than others. There is a difference between what we do and who we are.
Better performance does not make a better person. A person’s character can be severely wanting even though his performance is good. A classic example of this is found in the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. They did the right things for all the wrong reasons. Inside they were corrupt. So our evaluation of others needs to change. God judges by looking on the inside, not the outside (1 Sam. 16:7). We need to esteem others on a different basis than what most of us do.
Secondly, to esteem someone better than ourselves simply means to value them more than we value ourselves. To some that may seem impossible, but it isn’t.
It is exactly what Jesus did. If Jesus, who was God in the flesh (1 Tim. 3:16), could humble Himself and value our good above His own welfare, then we should certainly be able to do the same. It can happen when we die to self and live to God.
When we esteem others more than ourselves its also a form of humility. The bible says in Philippians 2v4 that we shouldn’t look to our own interests but each of us to the interest of the others. This represent LOVE. When you love someone youbout all selfishness away and do not look into your own interests. Jesus is LOVE and what he is asking us to do is to be loving, compassionate, caring, considering etc…. God richly bless you
This is very enlightening! A lot of people truly do things for the wrong reason. In church, you see people obeying laid down rules and regutions but their hearts are far from the vision. God sees our heart so let’s not deceive ourselves (Gal 6:7). Blessings.
I must make sure that my motives are in line with my actions. Unlike mankind God can see our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7) so we should do things with good intentions.
I found this devotional very interesting addressing many aspects of our minds in a few paragraphs
Ultimately our Motives are key in every area of our lives; God; the righteous judge sees and knows
We must die to self and live to God allowing the Holy Spirit our helper to be active all the time!
The Lords looks in our heart, so therefore I must make sure my intentions and motives are good and according to the Lords words and don’t allow pride to get the best part of me in Christ
This is a timely reminder! Our motives and reason for our actions is what matters. And this is what God sees! May our intent and motives be pure and selfless towards each other!