God is interested not only in what we do, but why we do what we do. Motives are important. In Matthew 14 Herod, despite his fears, beheaded John the Baptist. Why? Because his fear of what his party guests might think was stronger motivation than his fear of what the crowds might think. Herod's ego motivated him to do the unthinkable. Peter, when he walked on water, sank because he is motivated more by his fear of the wind and waves than by his faith in Jesus. Jesus, on the other hand, could easily have become a "rock star" of his day had he been motivated by ego. Rather, even in weariness he was motivated more by love and concern for people than by selfish concern or ambition.
Actions are important, but motives are behind actions. As believers we often make two mistakes. One, we somehow think that we can discern men's motives by their actions. We forget that only God can see the heart. As a result, we judge and divide people, but never love them. Two, we legalistically focus on actions without considering motives. When we do this we frustrate, manipulate and dominate, but we never transform.
Motives are important. Father, thank you that Jesus was motivated more by his love for us than by a desire for personal comfort. May my heart reflect that of Jesus.
Actions are important, but motives are behind actions. As believers we often make two mistakes. One, we somehow think that we can discern men's motives by their actions. We forget that only God can see the heart. As a result, we judge and divide people, but never love them. Two, we legalistically focus on actions without considering motives. When we do this we frustrate, manipulate and dominate, but we never transform.
Motives are important. Father, thank you that Jesus was motivated more by his love for us than by a desire for personal comfort. May my heart reflect that of Jesus.
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