“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

James 3:14–16 (NIV)

What are your motives?

We all have motives—the things that drive us to be successful and to achieve our goals. Each of us has different dreams, such as having a family, building a great career, or finding financial security. Whatever it is, you desire to reach it. I know in my own life, I have goals too: I want to have a family, be successful, work hard, and be secure in my finances. And it’s not wrong to want to achieve these things. None of the goals I’ve set before me are inherently bad.

God wants us to set goals. He wants us to have families, to provide for them, and to succeed in all that we do. But let me ask you again—what are your motives?

James warns that when our actions are fueled by selfish ambition or envy, it leads to disorder and every kind of evil. You can still be successful in everything you do and choose to elevate God and the people around you.

Ultimately, we are called to love God and love people (Matthew 22:37–39). Whatever you do in life, let those two motives guide everything. When I unpack my personal goals, it all comes down to this question: Am I loving God? Am I mirroring His character to others? God’s greatest desire is a relationship with us. He wants to love us—and for us to love Him in return.

This is God’s heart for you and me. Let everything you do flow from these motives—not out of obligation or duty, but out of love for God.

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

James 3:17–18 (NIV)

Prayer

Thank You, God, for today and for everything You’ve done. I boldly come to Your throne room and ask for a resetting of my motives. Purify my heart and draw me closer to who You are. Help me mirror Your character and lead me in all that I do.

Lord, I love You and I praise You.

In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.