Have you ever received a call or an invitation from a "friend" that turned out to be a sales pitch? Have you ever gone into a situation expecting friendship only to discover your 'friend' had ulterior motives? I know I've been there and it is hurtful and disappointing. For me the most hurtful part is the deception. I'd rather someone tell me upfront that they want to sell me something than lure me in under the guise of friendship and then drop the bomb on me. If you come to me with wrong motives or hidden agendas then how can I trust you? What does it say about our relationship? I'm not saying friends can't sell products they believe in to their friends; I'm saying friends should be upfront and have pure motives.

It's the same in our relationship with God and others. We need to constantly check our motives in all our relationships. Why am I doing this? Am I doing this for God's glory or for selfish gain? Will anyone be exploited if I do this? These are important questions to ask ourselves and to take to God who knows better than we do. Many of the people that deceive others are deceived themselves [2 Tim 3:13]. We don't always realize when our motives have drifted from the pure to the impure - but God does. The end does not always justify the means. It's not ok to use unscrupulous methods to build your ministry rationalizing that you'll reach more people; or to reason that you will use money earned through shifty ways to bless others.

Likewise we must not come to God with ulterior motives. There can be no hidden agenda with God because He knows all our thoughts. God wants to bless us; we don't have to 'trick' Him into blessing us. It's ok to ask God for things, but we shouldn't come to Him under the guise of friendship when we really want something from Him. God knows when we want HIM versus what we can get from Him. If you take the time to enjoy Him for who He is, you'll discover what a wonderful friend He is.