It amazes me how the devotionals that I have shared over the years are timeless and necessary. I have talked about checking your motives on Periscope and with some co-workers. This post always seems to come to mind but today, I thought it was important to share. Please enjoy this post that was originally posted on the Elect Ladies blog in February/2012.
“And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” (Colossians3:23KJV)
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,” (NIV)
Many times we do things to get a certain response such as praise, a pat on the back, or get whatever we desired from a spouse or a loved one but the fact is that doesn’t always happen. When that thing that we were looking for doesn’t occur we are angry, disappointed or unreasonably upset.
What was our purpose? Were we doing it for God to get the glory or for us to get the glory? Ouch! Were we doing it to get our own way or for things to go God’s way? Were we doing it so that we looked good or so that God looks good? Point blank, we were trying to manipulate a situation or response for our own benefit?
Now I am not saying that a gentle nudge in the right direction is wrong but check your motives. If your feelings are hurt when you don’t get the desired response, was it truly for the Lord. If you are upset or angry ask yourself why are you really angry? The scripture is clear “whatever you do…” not some of the things that you do are to be done as if you were doing it for God not men.
So, the next time you do or say something for someone check your motives and your purpose. If you are serving as if you are serving God, go for it. If not, check yourself and save your hurt feelings. Go ahead and cook the meal, make things better, fix the problem at work and make ministry suggestions as if you are making them for the Lord. Since He is the rewarder of all things I will take His sincere response over man’s missed or shallow response any day.
Be blessed and encouraged and do it all for the Lord.
Just Another Day's Journey 