Motives = Heart
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”
Something that continually comes to mind is motives. What is the motivating factor behind the choices you make? What deep down is pulling you, or perhaps, pushing you to acheive/gain?
The Bible talks a lot about motives.
Oftentimes when we read the word ‘heart’ in the Bible it is talking about how we make decisions, whether they are moral, physical, or emotional.*
Our “heart” shows our motives:
1 Samuel 16:7 - But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
In all of our lives, God continually looks at our hearts, at the “why” behind what we do. It isn’t what we do, that God delights in (even though there are actions that the lord loves), it is in our very worship and action that comes from our motives that he looks at.
This morning, I was reading 1 Corinthians 15. The last verse of that chapter really got to me.
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always five yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Some days I wonder if leaning into my questions, doubts, and fears about God is okay. Some days I wonder if I am trying to disprove Him, or if I truly am trying to learn, grow, and fall more in love with my Savior.
This blog… it could be really controversial. It may dismantle some people's beliefs. This blog may help others rebuild their beliefs. At times I am really nervous if this was the right thing to do.
But then I remember.
I remember that it was God’s stirring to create a platform that welcomed his questioning children.
I remember that it was God who encouraged me to seek and make space for the unknowns in the seasons of immense confusion and fear.
I remember that God looks at the motives of why we do what we do.
I remember that if I do all things with perspective and motive that it is all for the Lord and my sourcing, backing, and actions are done biblically and in love, it won’t be in vain.
Today’s challenge, or perhaps encouragement, is to look at where your motives are.
What is pushing you or pulling you to make EVERY decision in your life? From work to relationships, to your gym membership, to how you feed your body.
What is motivating you? What are you letting be your guide, truly? Are you just saying that what you do is for the lord, or are actually doing it for him?
That’s the food for thought today. Remember that this is a journey of grace and or progress, and there is no condemnation or shame if continually stepping forward in aligning ourselves with our true king - Jesus.
Cheers
