What's Your True Motivation?

"Despite the "Do Not Touch" signs, a museum was having no success in keeping patrons from touching--and soiling--priceless furniture and art. But the problem evaporated overnight when a clever museum employee replaced the signs with ones that read: "Caution: Wash Hands After Touching!"  -Today in the Word, March, 1990.

May I speak freely to you? What's your true motivation for religious devotion? Even right things can be pursued for the wrong reasons. Why you or I do things might not be as obvious as we think.

For those of us who desire to be good disciples of Christ, we should always practice religion from the heart, and not to receive accolades from others (Matthew 6:1-4). The question that we must each ask ourselves is: “Do I want the approval of God, or the approval of others?” The truth is that it's next to impossible to have both.

You can either have the approval of God, or the applause of others. That's either/or, but not both. If we choose the applause of others, then that applause becomes our reward. Let's break this down a little further. Here are some clarifications regarding rewards.

Is it wrong for the Christian to be motivated by rewards? There's a misconception that many Christians hold to, that we should never be motivated by reward. It just so happens that one of the prominent doctrines of the New Testament is the Doctrine of Rewards and the Judgment Seat of Christ. 

The judgment seat of Christ isn't a place and time when the Lord will hand out punishment for sins committed by us. More precisely, it's a place where rewards will be given or tossed out depending on how you used your life for the Lord. That means that our decisions and words in this life directly affect our eternal status.

Will you be great in heaven, or minuscule? Are you investing daily in eternity so as to earn rewards to enjoy forever, or are you simply living for the temporary earthly rewards of the here and now?

In conclusion, why do we do the things we do? Why do we serve in the church? Why do we help others? Why do we pray? Are we serving out of a humble sense of gratitude for everything that Christ has done for you and I?

Or, are you doing this for the applause and/or recognition by others? If this is the case, then you have already received your reward (Matthew 6:2, 5). But, to those who truly do these things from their heart for God alone, you will receive your reward by Him personally (Matthew 6:4, 6).

Scripture: Colossians 3:23;Proverbs 3:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Matthew 19:26; Philippians 4:19

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that I may never get so full of myself that I forget your words and teachings on devotion. It's too easy to get carried away seeking the attention and approval of this temporal world and forsake the true reward of a place in Your eternal home. Please keep me grounded and focused on what is really important; and that, is You. Amen

May God always bless you!

Trisha