Letter From The Editor - WHAT'S MOTIVATING YOU?

In a song by the Newsboys, they mention the importance of coming to the place where your heart starts asking, "What's My Motivation?" Are you ready to examine your motives?
by Editor, Jon Hanna

Usually, when I get into trouble it's 'nobodies fault but mine'. (In what song did I hear those words?) When I follow God's Spirit I'm blessed but when I walk after the dictates of my flesh it's a mess.

After prayer and time, God is gracious enough to show me the error of my ways. Not because He hates me but because He loves me. My job is just to be humble enough to accept His correction and then repent. Repent means to agree with God's word, hate my sin and then turn from it.

People are motivated by many things, including money, success, love, fame, revenge, envy and hate just to name a few. Motivation can be selfish or unselfish.

Did you know that it's possible to fast or to even preach God's word motivated by a spirit of error?

In the Old Testament Isaiah 58 describes the differences between proper and improper motivation for fasting. In the New Testament, Paul warned the Philippians in his letter to them, "Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will: the former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love…" (Philippians 1:15-17)

When we are motivated by selfish ambition, envy or strife, we are guilty of sin even though we may cloak it with Bible verses. Paul's enemies were guilty of preaching the Gospel to add to His affliction rather than to build him up in love. What motivates you?

It's often so easy to be caught up in a selfish, self-centered, self-willed lifestyle without recognizing either it or the danger it can produce.

I challenge you to ask God to search your heart today and to see if there be any wicked way found. Ask for Gods wisdom and ways. Actually and specifically cry out for wisdom and God will give it to you. He will show you the way you should go.

Remember the example of Jesus Christ, whose motivation was and is pure love. He came bringing words of life, mercy and grace. He also came with words of correction, rebuke, and instruction, yet He didn't come to hurt or condemn us. He came not seeking the things of this world. He came not seeking to be rich. He did not come seeking His own pleasure.

Jesus came out of obedience to God, to give His life in exchange for ours. Jesus came to die for our sins so that we might live. What's motivating you today?

May God help us all to reflect Jesus in everything we do and say. May God help us to sincerely love one another. There are many people living in sin who are headed for destruction. We need to speak the truth to them, in love, while we still have time. It's time to "shine".

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