In Acts 21:4, "The Holy Spirit had told them to warn Paul not to go to Jerusalem." Paul's reaction to the spirit's warning in Acts is such a puzzle. After being warned he seems to say, "Yeah, but..." Did he have his own agenda? Or did he only take it as a warning that there could be trouble in Jerusalem and He'd better be ready? If the latter, he is a model of courage in the Christian world. Most assume this is so. But could he have had the wrong motive? He so much wanted to persuade his Jewish "brothers" that his work for God was of value.
It's a puzzle. The psalm tells us to do right, but be careful of our motive. Paul was human, even if he was one of the best. But our motives--human motives--have to be watched carefully. They are sneaky! So often we will have selfish motives, perhaps like wanting to take credit for the result of some work. Paul found trouble at the beginning of his imprisonment in Jerusalem when he did not heed the Holy Sprit's warning. What might be our Jerusalem?
God, Whatever I may do in your Name may well be contaminated with some personal, selfish motive. I desire a pure heart, but I know there are vestiges of impurities in me, no matter how much I desire otherwise. I beg your forgiveness and desire your help in being tolerant of my own nature and the human failings of others, as well. Thank You. Amen.
Dear Reader, If it is your desire to join me in this prayer, please do.
Jo INMN
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