What's my motivation?

In a random sort of way, I picked up a running magazine at a local smoothie shop. As I glanced through this magazine, I became entranced with the interesting tidbits about running and motivation, which stated a thought process.

It is HOT in Houston right now. Just the beginning of summer, we have felt scorchers that make me dread the “hottest” part of the summer. All I could think about was, “It’s too hot to do anything.” But then the Holy Spirit dropped a question in my spirit that has given me a new motivation: “Is it the weather or the weight loss that is my motivation?” If it is indeed the weather, I could spend most of these laboring summer days in doors, sleeping away the day; avoiding the heat and the sun. Or I can remember that my motivation is the weight loss and a tan, and  thank God for the summer, a perfect time to get into shape, because the summer gives way to beautiful weather and plenty of opportunity to get moving.

All this thought about motivation reminded me of the story of Ananias and Sapphira. They were a New Testament couple who converted to Christianity, but did not fully understand the concept of motivation. They sold a piece of property to give to the apostles, but held back a portion. You might say to yourself, “I never understood this story. It was their property. What’s the big deal if they kept a little for themselves?” But you have to look at the story in context. They felt led by the Holy Spirit to sell their land for the money, so why would God be honored with a partial offering? Their motivation was the glory their gift might offer, not the full sacrifice of knowing God is Jehovah Jirah.

We have to be careful to understand that while people may see the outward gift, God see’s the inward motivation. If we give haphazardly, God is not impressed with our gifts. The scripture is clear to tell us to give cheerfully and without reservation. Besides, it goes beyond the principle of blessing others. When we look to God to be our supplier, we have to remember that sometimes He will stretch our gifts and sometimes He will stretch us. I will NEVER forget a time in my marriage where we were just struggling to get by. I had made a commitment months before, when my husband had a better paying job, to make a 14 hour trip to be a bridesmaid. But at that time, merely months later, we were struggling to pay our bills. We had a choice to make… I could write a tithe check and watch it bounce or we could skip the tithe and pay a bill. I wrote the tithe check. The next Sunday, just days after we trusted God to provide, a wonderful couple in our church- who had no clue about out situation- just handed over a roll of money worth $500!! The clincher: someone had recently blessed them with the money, but they were obedient when God told them it wasn’t for them. I cried for hours and I vowed to bless them back someday 10 fol; and someday I will make good on that, Praise God. Intention. It all has to do with the heart condition, the motivation behind your acts.

I encourage you to take inventory of your motivations. God calls us to worship in spirit and in truth, and that includes ALL (money, time, gifts) of our worship.

Scripture References:

Acts 5:1-9 (NIV)

           

1) Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2) With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. 3) Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4) Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5) When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6) Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7) About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8) Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” 9) Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

1st Samuel 16:6 (NLT)

           

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

            12) Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13) Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14) I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 131:1 (NIV)

            A song of ascents. Of David. My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.

Thought Builder:

What does it mean to have a genuine spirit?

Is there a difference in “good” and “bad” motivation if the end result is the same?

What difference could being a cheerful giver make in your life?

Can you give cheerfully and still be worried?

Love L.I.F.E (Love Is ForEver)

I often look back when my husband and I first started courting, and I think about all the fun we had. Try to surprise your love with a recreation of your first date. Let them know that though times change, your love for them never will!!