Keep From Making a Wrong Decision

I was in charge of a luncheon and afterwards sensed that I had missed the Holy Spirit's direction regarding one of my decisions during that function. Wondering how I could have unwittingly done that, I began writing out the whole scenario, seeking what the Spirit wanted me to learn from this. 

As I wrote one line, He said, "Weren't you trying to impress the women when you made that decision?" 

Immediately, I had to admit that He who scrutinizes our motives was right. "That was why you couldn't sense what I wanted," He said. 

"All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord" (Proverbs 16:2). Without the help of the Holy Spirit, we usually fail to see our "selfish ambition and vain conceit." Only He can show us where self-glory affects our decisions. The first step in gaining a humble spirit is to allow the Spirit to help us identify pride in our lives. When we are intent on obeying the Holy Spirit, we welcome His revelation of our motives as well as His grace enabling us to be humble.

John Wesley wrote to Francis Asbury: "I study to be little and lowly." What a profitable discipline! God gently calls us to humble ourselves. Although at times, He may need to humble us, He prefers that we choose humility. 

"Do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them," (Jeremiah 45:5). The Holy Spirit invites us to place ourselves where He is free to show us exactly what He sees. Is He pleased? That is the only question that matters.

Thank You, Jesus, for the joy and rest I have when Your approval is my highest desire. 

"Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14).

"I seek not to please myself but him who sent me" (John 5:30). 

"Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12 NLT).