Bella Vista Church of Christ
LIFELINES
November 28, 2001 Kirk Castleman
Motive Is Everything
In nearly every aspect of life, motive is not a Number One priority. In Christianity, one's motive is everything! It is possible to do the right action with the wrong motive and be unacceptable to God. Obviously, spiritual activity is sinful if one has the "right motive," but ignorantly does the wrong activity. Paul's persecution activity before he became a Christian is an example. Cornelius represents those who may have the correct motive, but have failed to do what the Lord commanded.
For most of the readers of this meditation the profound, soul-searching question is, "Am I doing this or that activity because I really love God and want to please Him?" Or, am I outwardly doing something or saying something which seems justified, but inside, down deep, there is an insidious cancer, silent and angry?
Judging the motives of someone else is sinful because we are not God! It is impossible to know another's motives and since none of us have absolutely pure motives, we are disqualified. It has been amazing over the years how many people have said, "You prepared/preached that sermon right to me!" The truth of the matter, if you really want to know, is that that is the work of the Holy Spirit and not this preacher. I quit preaching to specific people a long time ago, even when it was requested, because they were never there for the sermon.
We would all benefit (preachers too) to not only examine our motives, but also to ask God to forgive our impure motives and to purify our motives. If I tried to "please men" instead of God, it doesn't matter how eloquent or "scriptural" it may have been; for me, it is ungodly! It might accomplish some good, but I stand in judgment for it!
"For am I seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ--So have I become your enemy by telling the truth?" (Galatians 2.10; 4.16)
Kirk Castleman, Humble, Tex.
