Pure Motives: What Lies Behind Our Actions

Why we do what we do is as important as the work itself. The motivation behind our works is weighed heavily in Scripture. It is a main emphasis in God’s Word. And our thoughts and intentions are not hidden from God’s sight. Everything is open and laid bare before the eyes of Him to Whom we must all give account. When God weighs the actions He weighs the purity of the heart behind the action. A good rule of thumb is to check who is getting the glory – God or man. Remember the One who gives the power gets the glory, Amen? To be sure, man does loves to see his “name in lights” (so to speak). Also, God tells us whatever we do work at it with all of our hearts as working for the Lord not for men since we know that our inheritance comes from His gracious and loving hands.
When Jesus walked this dusty earth, He did the will of the One who sent Him. He was always about His Father’s will for God’s glory. We, too, are to be about the Father’s business both for His glory and for our good. This is all to be done, of course, without complaining, arguing or delaying. God desires for His heirs of mercy to be blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation. Shining like stars as we hold out the Word of Life. Murmuring and grumbling are not appropriate for the child of the King either. Rather, we are to cheerfully serve not reluctantly or half-heartedly. Wholehearted devotion and a willing mind blesses and pleases our Lord Jesus. It stands as proof that we believe what He said is true. Our actions will “speak” of what we truly believe. 
When we walk in His will through His power it demonstrates to our spheres of influence Whose we are and Whom we serve. In doing this our actions will clearly point to Him and not to ourselves as they will be other-worldly in their nature. We are not to walk as the world walks rather as Jesus walked – pointing others to Him and not to us. Also, when he calls us to act He wants our quick obedience sans a pregnant pause. Delayed obedience is disobedience. He desire is for us to work as unto the Lord and not for the approval of men. We do well to live our lives for an audience of One. If we do this we will please those around us, ourselves and our Lord and end with a life of no regrets. It is never too late to start. God is a Champion of making up for the years “the locusts have eaten”.