Monday, February 9, 2009

At The Well- What Are Your Motives

Gathering At the Well

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?

..............................................................................

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.

12 comments:

  1. Oh the beauty of honesty...that leads us to seek the Lord and His forgiveness and a new direction. I was there today! This topic has sure hit me between the eyes and I also like that pat on the back or that recognition. May we be renewed in our hearts and serve Him always with a sincere heart. Thanks for sharing today.

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  2. Thank you so much for your transparency!

    We are all on a journey, thanks for sharing!

    -Ashley

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  3. 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).

    I loved your honesty here! Praise God for you and your growth in Christ. I, too, have struggled with the desire for words of affirmation or pats on the back. I think its one of those struggles with the flesh and all...Totally enjoyed your post! So glad you participated today.

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  4. Hey there sister Jen,

    Well, I was just going to copy and paste something...but wouldn't you know it? My twin (a.k.a. Laurie Ann) already mentioned the SAME exact quote!☺

    With that said, I LOVE what you wrote and couldn't have said it better myself....except for the "young" woman part. ☺

    Thank you so much for sharing with us today at the "well"! ♥

    Bless you dear sister!
    Sunny

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  5. This was so vulnerable and open - it brought tears to my eyes. We can pray for each other in those moments where we want a pat on our back - that we would turn and lift our hands to God for the glory.

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  6. my motives right now are to encourage you by saying that your new blog header is great!

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  7. Thank you for joining me today in the discussion of "Are my motives pleasing". I have to step back from time to time and ask God to make sure my motives are pleasing to Him, because so many times I let "self" get in the way. And when I do that - it is only a matter of time before I mess things up. I am so thankful that God sees my heart and is patient with me! Thanks for visiting AT THE WELL today. -God bless, Laurie

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  8. What a beautiful heartfelt prayer at the end. Amen and amen!

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  9. Thank you for writing. I join my heart with you asking the Lord to help, help, help.
    My internet server was having trouble this weekend and I am just now getting to read. Didn't get to write.
    God bless your week.

    Jennifer

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  10. Wow. Jenn, I have to admit this was a little tough to read...but only because I am SO guilty of needing that pat on the back far too often. I know that He wants my heart, and pure motives...and sometimes that is so hard.

    As always, you encourage me so much!

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  11. That is so true and it's definitely something we need to be aware of! We have to reevaluate ourselves and see what our pure intentions are. It's right at the heart and what matters is what is in our hearts as we do those things. Great reminder, thanks!!

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  12. Thank you for your post. Like you
    I ask the Lord to try my heart and check my motives.

    June

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