Seeing through to your real motives
Last of a 2-part teaching series
by Kitty Chappell
In part one of this series, the correlation between righteous living and powerful praying was the focus. Yes, God requires righteousness in His presence…but there is no time in your relationship that He demands greater transparency than when you two meet in prayer. “Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” (Psalm 32:2)
Yet are you truly honest when you petition God? A genuine self-examination will greatly impact your effectiveness as you pray for the nation – and for matters even more personal.
An example from Scripture
“Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” (John 1:47) What prompted such a tribute by Jesus to Nathaniel, a man whom He’d never met – especially one who had just said earlier, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (This had been his response to Philip’s suggestion that they go to Nazareth because the Messiah was there).
Nathaniel must also have wondered about Jesus’ comment when he responded, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” (John 1:48-50)
The significance of Nathaniel sitting under a fig tree is twofold. One, in Jewish thought the fig tree represented inner peace that comes from personal integrity, honesty and rightness with God. Second, the fig tree was leafy and shady, commonly used to sit under while praying and meditating – possibly what Nathaniel had been doing. Nathaniel’s honest transparency impressed Jesus, who knew its value in upright dealings led to an above-reproach reputation.
The reference Jesus made to Nathaniel seeing “greater things” is also twofold. First, he would witness Jesus’ life and death miracles firsthand. Second, the heart with Godly, transparent motives will always experience greater things than it could ever imagine due to its unlimited use in God’s hands.
Take note of what impresses the Lord…for it provides insight as to how you can please Him. “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10)
Prayer requires honesty
When you petition God, be honest. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
But you say, “I am honest when I pray. I present my petitions sincerely on behalf of those whom I love. How can that be dishonest? That’s for you to answer: Only you…and God…know the real motives behind your prayers.
- Do you plead for God’s blessing upon our troubled nation with heavy heart as you speak out on vital issues, and then vote without fail? Or are you too busy going through religious motions to get involved, merely praying, “Lord, please change the government?”
- Do you offer brokenhearted prayers for your non-Christian friend or mate because that heart is empty, lost, and in pain? Or do you pray because you want positive changes in your relationship or marriage so your life will be made easier?
- Do you beg God to rescue those you love from sinful lifestyles because Satan is destroying their health, influence and potential? Or do you plead God’s intervention because you are ashamed of their behavior and seek to save your pride as a Christian?
- “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” (James 4:3)
Your family and friends don’t need to see a perfect Christian; they need to see your transparent example, uncompromisingly lived out in difficult circumstances. Transparency in your prayers is just the beginning! This week:
- Pray for understanding that as your love for Christ grows, so will your transparency.
- Pray that the selfish reasons behind your prayers will be replaced with Godly motives.
- Pray that amazing things will happen as Christ is seen through your transparency.
New to the Presidential Prayer Team writing team, Kitty Chappell is an international speaker, award-winning author, and a childhood domestic violence overcomer. After enjoying a 47 year marriage, she is now a widow and lives in Chandler, AZ.