“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24
Personally, in writing this blog, I was in need of an honest inspection behind the motivation for sharing this biblical truth. Is it because I wish to make a name for myself? Do I believe I possess knowledge no one else has privy (Romans 12: 3-5)? Or do I sincerely desire to shed light on a subject which may help both you and me. It still may benefit you, if it is the truth, but if my motivation is for the sake of appearance or making a good impression, I will suffer losing my reward found in Christ.
Philippians 1: 15-18
Examples of Wrong Motives
There are two examples the Word gives concerning someone doing what they think is right but with wrong motives. One example is how an unrepentant nonbeliever may do good works and even evoke the name of Christ, but has never come to faith in God’s salvation and Christ’s sacrifice ( Matthew 7:22-23 ). They know about Him, but have never come into a personal relationship with Him. The other is the believer, who testifies of Christ with wrong motives, through self-effort and vain-glory. (Philippians 1:15-19)
Scriptural Examples
Scriptural examples of this are found in both the old and new testament. In 1 Samuel, King Saul tried to battle the Philistines by making his own sacrifice and through self-effort, instead of trusting and waiting on the Lord.
The other, is found in Genesis 11; how a people attempted to reach heaven by building a tower, for self- glory, and for the purpose of making a name for themselves. In 1 Corinthians 11 in the new testament, there were Christians who were misrepresenting Christ by continuing to sin, refusing His discipline and unrepentant.
Genesis 11, 1 Corinthians 11: 23-34 , 1 Samuel 13
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4
Examining Our Self-Motive
Examining our motivation is very important . In everything there can be a hidden element of vain glory. I need to allow the Lord to examine my heart to determine my motive, whether it be praying (Matthew 6:6), teaching , or even doing a good deed. It would be prudent of me to first ask myself the question, “who is this really benefiting, or how is this honoring and serving the Lord?”
(Psalm 127:1 Corinthians 3:11-15, Jeremiah 17: 9-10)
One scripture ascertains to this concept; whereby, even if I were to give everything up and even sacrifice myself in the process, it is in vain, if God’s love and purpose is not the motivating factor.
(1 Corinthians 13:3).
Christ’s Righteousness or Our Own
Our righteousness is nothing compared to the righteousness required to approach a Holy God. But Praise God, we look to Christ’s righteousness alone, who has given us entrance into the presence of God through His sacrifice. All our righteousness are like filthy rags, and I can only be made whole through faith in Christ’s righteousness.
Isaiah 64:6, ( Proverbs 2:6-9)
Personal Testimony
When I was young I sought to do what was right in my own eyes. In the beginning I just wanted to serve the Lord, content for Him to receive all the glory. Then, little by little pride crept in and God’s purpose paled in comparison to my own. It’s possible to be at times, ignorant of our own desire to serve Christ. The Lord was merciful by allowing all my work to go up in flames, while restoring me back to Himself, once again, cleansing my motivation and purpose.
I would like to say, I never again got off track, but I have, again and again. I realize, I cannot trust my own heart, but try earnestly, to be cognizant of every word and action,bringing all under the Holy Spirit’s scrutiny and examination.
( 2 Corinthians 10:5)
1 John 1:9, Romans 8:1-2 James 7: 13-20
(Isaiah 55:9, Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 3: 5-6, Ephesians 2:10, Jeremiah 29:11,
Genesis 11:1-9, 1 Peter 4:18, 1 Corinthians 3: 10-15, Deuteronomy 30
Representatives of Christ Jesus
As never before, as believers and servants of Christ, we need to be in check as to how we are representing our Lord. The best preparation is by reading the Word, Listening to His Voice, and bringing everything to Him in prayer. As believers, we are first accountable to Christ, then ourselves, then the Body, and also to those who do not yet believe.
(2 Corinthians 10:17, 1 Peter 5:5 James 5:16)
