God Sees Your Heart Behind Everything You Do

Hey, carpool crew. Maybe you're in the car arguing with your siblings over who gets the last donut, or maybe you're feeling pretty good about how you handled something recently. Wherever you are, I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here. We're continuing our series Proverbs for your school life, but today's verse applies just as much on Sunday as it does any other day because it's all about your heart. Sometimes something feels right, but that doesn't always mean it's right, and that's where we need a heart check. Today's verse is from Proverbs chapter 21, verse two. All a person's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs hearts. See, Solomon knew people tend to believe they're always right. I don't know if you're like that. Sometimes I am. This verse is saying, you might believe your actions are good, but God looks deeper. He doesn't just see what you did. He sees why you did it. Take this, for example, did you help that person because you cared or because you wanted the attention of being seen helping? Did you tell the truth because it was right or to stay out of trouble? Even when we fool ourselves, God isn't fooled. He sees the whole story, especially the part we try to hide. If Jesus were with you this morning and heard you say, I didn't do anything wrong, he might gently nudge you and say, I know your heart. Let's talk about what's really going on. See, Jesus isn't here to trap you or shame you or get you in trouble. He's here to help you grow to be more like him, and he's always starting with the heart. Let's say you got into an argument with a group of friends. You didn't say the meanest thing, but you definitely stirred the pot a little bit. You tell yourself, well, I wasn't being rude. There were people much more mean than me. But deep down, you know, in your heart that you were doing it to stir things up. You wanted to. That's what Proverbs 21:2 is talking about. It's talking about your heart, your motives, why you do the things you do. So how can you live this out today? First, you can ask God to check your heart, not just your behavior. Second, when something feels right, ask, does this line up with what God says is right? See, because it might feel right. It might even feel good, but does this line up with what God says is right? Lastly, let Jesus help you grow in honesty, humility, taking feedback from others. If you can do that, you will grow in wisdom. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Parents, if you love today's episode, post about it on Instagram. Tag us at carpooling with Jesus. We'd love to see you and your family enjoying the podcast. Now, before you go, answer this question together, when's a time you thought you were right, but later realized your heart wasn't in the right place? I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.