Are My Motives Pleasing To God?

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This week's discussion topic is: Are My Motives Pleasing to You, God?

Ask yourself these questions:

Do you go to church to fulfill an obligation?
Do you get involved to get a reaction from someone; possibly pity, recognition or even money?
Do you volunteer in your child’s classroom to analyze the new teacher or is it to help?
Do you share prayer requests for a chance to gossip or because you truly care and are praying?

What is the real underlying motive for all of the good stuff that you do?

Great questions! Six years ago my answers would have been different. Back then I was still on the performance track. I needed to “do” so that I would feel good about myself. I did everything that I thought was expected of me as a pastor’s wife, mother, daughter, believer. I thought that if no one else was going to volunteer then I must do it. I do not think I did things to get recognition. Actually, I don’t like drawing attention to myself. Some of what I did was to draw attention to my husband. I thought if I performed well, then he would look good as a pastor. That is how my “performance track” was set up – I did everything for others. I’m sure some may think, what is wrong with that? One thing –

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. “ I Corinthians 10:31

The above scripture should be the key to everything we say or do. Before something comes out of my mouth, into my mouth, from my heart, mind, or from my hands – I must ask three questions:

What is my motive for doing this?
Will this bring honor and glory to my God?
Lord, is this a need that I am to supply?

Do I fail to ask these questions at times? Unfortunately, yes. The past six years the Lord has been teaching me many things about myself and His Word. Admittedly my mouth is still my biggest problem. I can already hear my husband and others saying “AMEN!” One time I told my husband after he gave me one of those scolding looks, “If you just knew some of the things I don’t say then you would be so proud of me!” We laughed, but seriously, I must keep my mouth shut more often. If it does not glorify my God then I need to “ZIP IT!” Another problem that I am working on is what goes into my mouth. I am learning to make wiser choices when it comes to food. My health has been so poor for way too long. I am making a conscious choice to “Live Well”.

Actually that is the key to all I do. I need to make a conscious effort to live as to the Lord.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:” Psalm 139:23.

I need to ask myself, what is my motive for doing this? Will it glorify God? If not, don’t do it. If so, then I need to ask the Lord if this is something He wants me to do, or pray that someone else will fill the need. We are not super women – we cannot do it all. So the key is PRAYER. We must pray and ask the Lord to direct our way.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5,6.

So the questions we should ask ourselves are:

What is my motive for doing this? Search my heart Lord.
Will this bring honor and glory to God?
Is this something the Lord wants me to do? Pray, Pray, Pray… Trust the Lord to lead. He will guide us… if we just let Him!

Dear Heavenly Father, search my heart and examine my motives for all I say or do. May I relinquish my ways… to Your ways. May all I say, think, eat, do be pleasing and glorifying to You. In Jesus precious name. Amen.