What is your motivation?

“And he did [what was] right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a loyal heart” (2 Chr 25:2).  What an awful statement about Amaziah!  Here was a King who was doing right  by God but not loyal to Him.  How many times do we assume we are doing the right thing, but our hearts are not right before the Lord?    

Paul wrote that we should examine ourselves to determine if we are in the faith (2 Cor 3:15).  Many first responders look at their work with a self inflated righteousness, assuming their daily good deeds of serving others reserves some special place in heaven.  Our work is good; our work is ordained by God (Rom 13).  But, seek out the motivations as to why you do this work.  Are you seeking medals, recognition, awards, promotion or are you seeking to please the Lord in your work (Mat 5:16, Col 3:23-24)? 

Is your heart aligned with God?  Have you accepted Jesus Christ for salvation or are you relying on your good works for salvation?  Are you serving King Jesus or serving your own self interests?  Brothers and sisters, examine yourself!

Overcoming the Past

Recently I was reminiscing with a friend I have known nearly 30 years and was reminded of stories I had long ago forgotten.  As we talked, God brought to mind His  truth and I rejoiced for what He has done in my life.  

As Paul described, we all come from storied sinful backgrounds, “...Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you” (1 Cor 6:9-11a emphasis added). Notice the past tense.  

God provided a way to overcome our sinful past, “For He made Him who knew no sin [to be] sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor 5:21).  Because of this Paul wrote,“But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1Cr 11b).  

No matter where you come from, what you have done in your past, or when you accept Jesus Christ, you can rest that, “[There is] therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1a).