Day 15: The Fruit of Our Motives

Reading: Psalm 9:13-20

This Psalm shows us just how the wicked can put themselves into trouble. David cries out to God for Him to set judgement on his enemies. "The wicked are trapped by their own deeds." God is asked by David to show mercy on him, by bringing judgement on his enemies. Many times, God will work in ways that we bring about on our own. When we tell a lie, many times it comes back to bite us. The wickedness we sow, is also what we will end up reaping eventually. But on the flip side of this coin, the goodness we cast about will bring positive outcomes to our lives. God blesses those who do His work and show compassion on others. Be careful of the type of fruit you want to grow in the end.


Reading: Matthew 12:1-21

When you are questioned as Jesus was in this passage about your motives and actions, how do you respond? Jesus is attacked by religious people for working on the Sabbath day, a day meant for rest and sacredness. Jesus replies, making a case for those in need of mercy and compassion on the Sabbath day. This could cause us to question our religious rituals. Do they get in the way of serving others? Seems kind of turned around to me. But if you are too busy, trying to follow all the legalism of church, and not having mercy on others in the process, there is something terribly wrong with the motives and compassion of your heart. God is about love, not rules and traditions. When we allow the desires of our hearts to overlook the mission of God, it is time for reassessment. The fruit you put out as a result of your desires will be selfish fighting for you, not fighting for the mission of God. Again, be careful of the fruit you won't to bear. Does it further the kingdom, or stir up useless quarrels?


Reading: Genesis 31:1-55

Jacob is definitely fed up of his father-in-law, and rightfully so. He's been cheated by Laban in working years and years for his wives. However, Jacob's done his share of cheating in his lifetime too. It's funny how God teaches us lessons in the things we need them in through those things sometimes. Jacob probably quickly learned that cheating his father and brother wasn't the classiest of moves he's made- especially after he got a taste of his own medicine from Laban in trying to work for his daughter. And then when he cheats Laban back, Laban seems to learn a lesson as well, especially when Jacob runs off with his daughters and grandchildren. They finally make amends and come to a truce, each learning their lesson. God will teach us through our faults when we choose to see a lesson in them.


How can we learn from our motives? How can they come back to bite us? God will teach those who choose to follow after Him and make changes in their lives. Remember to keep tabs on the fruit that will come from your motives. The wicked trap themselves. The Pharisees approach Jesus with selfish motives, causing them to crash and burn. Jacob and Laban were taught by their own poison. Keep your motives in check.