After a tumultuous week, even thought I’d used all my “spiritual tools,”– putting on the armor, offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving, forgiving, letting go–there was still unrest in my soul.

This morning the Holy Spirit brought to mind the description of Heavenly Wisdom in James 3. The first quality is being pure, and I believe that purity starts in our motives.  So I sat down and began to write out my motives for what I desired.

What I was looking for were the ones that were negative (to be rejected), neutral (to be shifted if possible) and positive.

As I wrote, out came four motives, and I looked them over. Although they all looked good on the surface, in two I could see how they were aimed at making myself feel good. The third was neutral, but irredeemable for the bottom line was also selfishness.

But the fourth, now that was a good one, aimed at doing good for others without thought of myself. Now  that’s one I could act on. This helped me let go of the strong desire I had that others follow my plan; I could bend to fit in with them.

This was freeing and helped me to relax in God’s hands. Now I can move ahead trusting him.

Heavenly Wisdom is first of all pure….”  Check your motives, rejecting the negative and neutral, affirming the positive, be free to follow God with all your heart.

Picture: get rid of the “e” and you are ready to “go.”