OCTOBER 14: MOTIVES – THE HIDDEN DRIVER

Still on hypocrisy, let us look at motives. Motives are the underlying reasons why we do what we do, our intentions. People see the acts and hear the words we speak, but only God who sees the heart knows the motives behind our words and actions and judges them accordingly. Therefore, we may do and say the right things but for the wrong reasons and God will not reward that. For example, what is the true reason behind your giving? Is it to be seen and acclaimed by men? In that issue where you took a position, is that position based on your conviction that it is the right thing to do or was it to impress someone from whom you benefit and want to stay on their right side?

In our passage for today, Paul warned the Corinthian church against a ‘Party spirit’. The Corinthian church had become split in their support of Paul or Apollos. They forgot that both Paul and Apollos were servants of God on the same assignment. Their motives for supporting either of the two men were certainly not anchored on the will and purposes of God and Paul called their action carnal, sentimental, based on the flesh. In our daily interactions when we are required to make judgements, on what do we base our judgements? When we throw our support behind a cause, what is the underlying reason for our position?

Paul reminded the Corinthians that a day of reckoning was coming when every man will give account of everything they have done in the flesh. On that day when the motives of the heart will be revealed and weighed alongside our actions, will we be vindicated by the supreme Judge of the universe? Much as we may be able to justify our positions before man, God who searches the heart and weighs our motives will judge our actions accordingly. It is important to prayerfully seek the mind of God and always be guided by the principles of His word before taking a position on anything we do so that at all times, we are in step with God’s will. There will be very little division in the church if we are guided by God’s word and guided by His Spirit in ALL we do and aligning our thoughts and actions accordingly.

Prayer: Father, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be always acceptable in Your sight. Amen!