“Why do you come to Me to be changed? What is your reason for wanting Me to make you like Jesus? Do you know that your heart motive for wanting something, even honorable requests, is very important to Me? In fact, it means everything to Me. Many of My children are doing what appear to be wonderful works, using My Name; and I am nowhere near them because they are nowhere near Me. They may have requested Me to bless what they are doing, and who they are becoming; but their hearts are motivated by the flesh. You need to make sure that everything you do is motivated by love for Me and My purposes. Should you have any other reason, any hidden agenda for your actions, I may use your efforts for My sake and the sake of others, but they will merit you next to nothing. Seek Me with every fiber of your being. Serve Me with an honest heart and live.”

Psalm 51:10 AMP

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering and steadfast spirit within me.

Matthew 16:22-23 NIV

22) Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

23) Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Out of my sight, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

Hebrews 4:12 NIV 

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Col. 3:23 NIV

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

So many of us do the right things for the wrong reasons. I know people who give money to the work of God out of guilt or obligation. Others visit hospitals, attend church four nights a week, and feed the hungry; but have no real love in doing it.

Some people spend countless hours in prayer, yawning through every minute of the time, raise their hands in praise while looking around at what others are wearing; or receive communion because they are hungry and everyone else is doing it.

All of these foolish people might as well burn their money in the back yard or spend their time at a baseball game. God is not looking for good things being done in His Name from a cold heart. The world can do that. He wants those who are His to move in His Spirit and present His heart of love to a dying world.

Create in me a clean heart, Lord,

Jim Corbett