100 Days with Jesus -- All a Man's Ways Seem Innocent to Him but God Weighs His Motives":

Day 37


Have you ever said something that could clearly be misinterpreted or just wish you had said nothing at all? It seems like I always do this. I was recently interviewed and after the interview, I reviewed in my mind all the answers to the questions and thought of a dozen things that would have been better to have said or explained better. It’s so easy to be an arm chair quarterback after it’s all over or when you’re not under pressure. When I say dumb things or perhaps imply something that I didn’t intend to, it physically hurts me to think about it. And it really hurts when someone puts words into my mouth or questions my true motivation behind what I say. I know in my heart what my true motivation is. Proverbs 16:2 tells us that ‘All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.’ So when I totally mess up something or say the wrong thing, it’s comforting to know that the Lord knows my heart and my true motivation.

I think of professional athletes or politicians that are always being scrutinized for every word and deed they say or do. What a burden to bear and how well I know that I would always be in trouble! The Lord knows if there is anyone in His kingdom that will insert a foot into the mouth, it will likely be me. How do I treat people when they say things they shouldn’t or they don’t say them in the best way? I have to admit, there are times that I’m just as judgmental as anyone. I know that the Lord called me to service but He didn’t call me to be judge over others thoughts and motivations. I believe I better leave that job to Him and just hope that others will do the same for me.