Consider this verse in decision-making

The Sacred Pace talks to us about making decisions only AFTER we've taken time to pray, and hear God's answer.

It's all about slowing down, not making immediate decisions. The book is fantastic. But one of the verses he recommends reading before making a major decision is Galatians 5:19-24. It tells us to think on what are feelings and motives are behind the decision.

Galatians 5:19‭-‬24 ESV

Are we acting out of jealousy? Enmity? Anger? Or are we acting out of joy, kindness and love?

Jesus is after the heart; and honestly, only YOU can truly know your heart, along with Jesus. He sees you for your motivations. Even Mother Theresa could be in the wrong, if she was serving just to look like a Saint (self-promotion motives, rather than actually wanting to love on others and help them). Now I'm definitely not saying that's the case, I'm sure her motives were pure, it's just an example.

But honestly, isn't that the best?

Jesus doesn't require us to follow rules or regulations, and he knows we are sinful and going to consistently screw up. So he came and died to save us from required perfection (no need to perfectly ascribe to "the law" or the Ten Commandments), and instead he asks for our hearts.

His ask is that we love Him, and love others as ourselves.

Doesn't that about cover it? When we act in love, all other sins aren't an issue (see the verse above - are you going to be envious if you love that person? Are you going to be jealous, or act in fits of anger if you're loving the other person more than yourself, and loving God?)

In everything we do, let's asses our motives.

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and exceedingly corrupt. Who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9

I know my heart is constantly headed in the direction of self-focus and downright selfishness. And a lot of times I think I'm doing something for the right reasons... and one day I realize I'm not. The heart can be really deceitful and biased toward myself. It can be shocking. 

I think that's what life is about.

Learn your heart. Know yourself. Grow in love.

Pursue God first, then others, then yourself.