You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires.
James 4:3 AMP
Asking plays a pivotal role in the dynamics of the kingdom. This truth is emphasized by the timeless instruction to: “Ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7). However, the passage we’re focusing on today casts a spotlight on a profound matter. This matter demands our discernment as we approach the divine throne with our petitions. The crux of the matter lies in our motives. They hold a crucial position similar to the prayers themselves, creating a meticulous evaluation criterion that our supplications must pass before receiving answers.
Meanwhile, amidst our requests, our motives take centre stage. The very nature of God scrutinizes them. For Him, the ‘why’ of our prayers matters as much as the ‘what’. So, a prayer might be sincere, but if driven by self-centred desires, it is similar to knocking on a solid rock. Imagine, it’s as if we are trying to open a door that remains stubbornly closed. Such prayer is like river flowing into an arid desert. However, instead of bringing life to others, the parched ground absorbs its waters.
Selfish aspirations encapsulate a classic example of misguided motives. In such instances, the focus remains solely on personal gain. This focus is heedless of the potential to bless others. In such scenarios, God’s response is not in favour of those who seek only to fill their own cups. It’s like a river that remains stagnant, unable to nourish the land it touches.
Meanwhile, the key lies in alignment – both with God’s will and with a heart fully surrendered to His guidance. This resonates with the model prayer Jesus provided. “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). A genuine connection with God’s heart springs from a life entirely reliant on Him. The pursuit of God’s will take precedence over our own. This marks the difference between motives that led astray and those that lead to alignment with the divine purpose.
So, let’s remember that it’s not just about asking; it’s about asking with motives aligned with God’s heart. These aligned motives carry the power to turn mere requests into divine interventions. They transform us into rivers that bring life and blessing wherever we flow.
