At The Well- What Are Your Motives

Gather At the Well today to discuss an important and deep question: Are my motives pleasing to you, God?

The discussion question is:

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

FOR EXAMPLE:

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?

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Are my motives pure?  For me this has been a loaded question.  I have toiled over what I would write for this post.  I have started and deleted, started again only to erase half of what I have written.  How do I put into words that at times I have been full of selfishness.  My motives, at times, have been anything but pure.  Because if I write that people will know me for who I really am.  The imperfect soul who looks for praise and affirmation from those around her. 

This is my trap.  I require a big old pat on the back.  A word of confirmation.  The recognition of a job well done.  There are times when I find myself doing certain activities because I know it is required of me. Or because it will make me look good.  Or because that's what a "good" Christian does. I simply want people to like me. I want them to see me as a godly woman.  I desire to here praises from the lips of others.

I am too concerned about how I appear outwardly to those around me. But what the Lord cares about is my inner self.  My heart, my soul, the very essence of who I am.

So, who am I?  I am a young woman who desires to grow in my relationship with the Lord. I am a woman who is learning to yearn after the things of God more and more.  I am a woman who knows the Lord cares for my soul and that I must draw near to him so that He will draw near to me.(James 4:8)  I am a woman who aches to do more for the needy.  I am a woman who's heart is full of love for those around me. And yes, I am a woman who sometimes struggles with impure motives (among other things).

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10:22

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this wonderful ministry- At The Well.  Today it has opened my eyes to an aspect of myself that isn't pleasing to you.  I have been guilty of impure motives.  Lord help me to act out of love and sincerity not out of obligation or desire of human praise.  Forgive me Lord and cleanse me from my sin.  Help me Lord to always seek you for guidance before I act, so that my motives remain pure and pleasing in your sight.