From the Elder's Pen "Motives" 3/10/02 Past/Future Articles

     Have you ever stopped to think why we do or say a thing?  Something prompts us to either act or sit idly by and do nothing.  In Phil. 1:14 -17 we are told that some preach Christ out of envy and strife, some of good will, and some of contention (not sincere).  In verse 17, it says Christ is preached out of love.  These statements could well describe the way we live the Christian life.  If Christ is preached out of a heart that has the wrong purpose, how much more would we sometimes live our everyday lives using the wrong intention toward others?
     First let us think about envy and strife or self-willed, self-seeking.  Could it be that at times we are motivated by these evil influences?  Remember who is the author of these wicked characters.  We are told that the very elect can be deceived (Matt. 24:24) with satan changing himself into an angel of light. (II Cor. 11:14)  Could it be at times we do things to further our own well being rather than the cause of Christ that we seek glory for ourselves rather than God? (Gal. 5:26)  Are we self-willed and can only see things the way we want it to be?
     Could some of us be motivated by contention, always negative about the work of the church, causing division, tearing down rather than building up?  (I Thes. 5:11)  Do we take pleasure in seeing one Christian pit against another?  (Phil. 2:3)  Do we find satisfaction in seeing others disagree and have trouble?  Do you converse with others telling things whether true or untrue that you know will bring heartache to others as well as downgrade the “Bride of Christ?”
     Finally, brethren, are our works motivated by a pure heart filled with love and understanding of our fellow traveler?  Do we take pride and joy in seeing our friends excel and prosper?  John 13:35 tells us the world will know we are the disciples of Christ by the love we have one for another.  Therefore, let us examine our hearts and motives so that our speech and works will always be seasoned with salt (Gal. 4:6), insomuch that our lives will have the saving influence He intended his children to exude.  May we live closer to the Lord each day filling our hearts with the word wherewith the light of the glorious Son will shine through and God will be glorified.  (Matt. 5:16)