Day 1- WHAT ARE YOUR MOTIVES?

The Bible tells you in Philippians 2 to do nothing out of selfish ambition. What God is telling you to do is “check your motives.” Why are you wanting what you want? Why are you doing what you are doing? Read the following verses about checking your motives.
Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Galatians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Colossians 3:23, Hebrews 10:22-24
You should have three motives for everything you think, say or do.
01 Glorify God 02 Please God 03 Benefit Others
Does anything you are doing have motives different than these?

Day 2- IMPURE MOTIVES

God asks you to have purity in how you serve Him. Serving with a pure heart is when you fully trust God to give you the approval and reward for anything you do.
Read Matthew 6:1. What are bad motives for following Christ?
Have you ever done something “godly” so others would notice how “godly” you are?
Read Matthew 6:2-4. What should be your motive in giving?
Have you ever given something because you wanted something in return?
Read Matthew 6: 5-6. What should your motive be when you pray?

Day 3- DO YOUR THOUGHTS BENEFIT YOU OR OTHERS?

Your thoughts are a compilation of your opinions, wants, and desires. Your thoughts are the source of motivation to act. That is why God wants your thoughts working overtime to think of things that are worthy of Him.
Read Philippians 4:8. What are all the things God wants you to “think on”?
How can these things produce pure actions?

Day 4- IS IT SOMETHING YOU WANT OR GOD WANTS?

Spend your time reading how your thoughts can produce actions.
James 4:1, Mark 7:21-23, Ephesians 4:31-21, Matthew 15:18-19, Ephesians 4:26
Matthew 5:27-28, Matthew 5:21-22
How can thoughts, whatever they may be, affect you?
Re-read Philippians 4:8
Do you see the value of filling your thoughts with honorable things?

Day 5- CONTROL THOSE THOUGHTS

Read 2 Corinthians 10:5
What does God ask you to do with your thoughts?
Psalm 119:9 and Colossians 3:2
Read Colossians 3:5 Where do impure actions come from?
Why is it important to “snuff out” the impurity from your mind first?
The culture of the world is okay with you thinking what you’re thinking as long as you don’t act. Sometimes culture will even encourage you to act on your thoughts. God knows the danger of your thoughts and wants you to get them out of your head before you do something to harm yourself.
What are things in your life that influence your thoughts?

DIG DEEPER

Have you ever wondered why you are praying for something and you don’t receive it? Have you checked your motives? Read James 4:3
How can you come to God with the right motives?

DID YOU KNOW

Music can dictate your emotions. Think about a Kamp party and when they started playing FUN music. All of the sudden, you are having more fun with your friends. Music has that affect on people. It has the ability to bring you up or bring you down. God loves music and wants you to enjoy it, but you need to respect its power over your thoughts and emotions.