James 4:2-3 “…You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
In a Sunday school class we talked about going to God and being transparent. Sometimes we ask God and we don’t get. We feel like we did all the right things and in the right way; but God seems silent. When Job was challenged by the enemy and lost everything, he questioned God as to why all these bad things were happening to him. Are you afraid to question God? Are you leery of asking God “what’s up! I keep praying and waiting and praying and waiting and you sending nothing. Where is MY blessing God?” We are quick to tell others you have not because you ask not. If you have asked in prayer and received not, keep reading.
Following this verse we are given the reason our asking is not received: “you ask with wrong motives.” God will not support your heart’s evil [selfish] desires. When you pray you have to have a heart that desires that which honors the Father, that which glorifies the Father and that which brings joy to the Father. In your asking, be open and honest with yourself because nothing is hidden from our Father. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 says “our purpose is to please God and not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” God knows if your asking is all for pride, revenge or if your acts of goodness are conditional upon what you hope to get in return. You may be praying for someone’s recovery from sickness; however, is the underlying reason for your benefit or compassion for the one suffering?
While it is right to pray, praying with wrong motives can hinder your blessings. From our study of the Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector, we learned what we do (pray, serve, minister, give, worship, encourage and exhort) is not to be done for gaining attention from others. A professor suggested writing down your prayer before voicing it to God; and examine or think about what motivated you to make such a request to God. It helps!
So, have the right motives for all you do, eat or drink or pray: let it bring glory to our Lord.
Stay in the Master’s Care!
Spring Street Christian Church 