What motivates us?

Even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. – 1 Thessalonians 2:4

My wife and I received a notice that we had won a prize of either $1,000 in cash or $250 in vouchers. When we arrived at the collection site, we were told that to be eligible, we would have to sit through a 90-minute presentation.

As we listened, we learned that we could receive vacation accommodations for 25 years at today’s prices, which would amount to about $15,000 in savings. But to enjoy this privilege, we had to pay a membership fee of $5,200. We declined the offer but were given some discount vouchers, which we realized we’d probably never use.

Reflecting on that experience, my wife and I wondered why we had endured what had become a three-hour presentation. What had motivated us? We wanted to be polite, but we also had to admit we were partly motivated by greed.

Wrong motives can even slip into our service for the Lord. Paul wrote to the believers at Thessalonica: "You remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you" (1 Thessalonians 2:9). He had the right to receive financial help from them, but he didn’t want to be accused of unworthy motives.

What motivates us? Let’s learn from Paul’s example, remembering that God tests our hearts. – Albert Lee

You know me, O Lord, for who I am,

My motives are open to You;

Oh, help me to live as Jesus did –

With motives both noble and true. – Sper

READ: 1 Thessalonians 2:3-9

The world sees what we do – God sees why we do it.