Motive Matters
Originally Published 7/2/2015
When do you check your motives? How often do you ask yourself “why?”
Currently, I find myself surrounded by lots of new. I’m in a new state, in a new home. I have a new church family and a new job. There are lots of new headaches I have to face (changing cell phone carriers and potty-training a new puppy are among them), but I also have an opportunity to form new habits.
As a new youth minister I’m in a transition period referred to as the honeymoon phase. According to youth ministry research this is a time when I should expect high “approval ratings” and plenty of support. At this phase, It’s super important for me to form habits that bring glory to God and not myself.
Over the past few weeks I’ve been tempted to say and do things that pull attention or praise to myself. While it seems hard to not be in the “limelight” while being a minister, I need to make every effort to question my motives along the way. I have to ask “WHY?” repeatedly.
Why do I want to build this relationship?
Is it to gain power and prestige or do I value people, intimacy, and sharing life with one another?
Why do I want to teach on this topic?
Does it show off my knowledge, preparation, or expertise or do I believe that it is a relevant message from God?
Why do I want to have this event?
Am I concerned with being liked or am I focused on doing what is necessary (which often times can be fun, too)?
Why do I word things the way that I do?
Am I trying to impress others with my speech or am I trying to be a clear communicator?
Why am I serving in youth ministry?
Is my service for myself or is it for God?
Those are some of the questions that I have to ask myself. What questions do ask yourself? It is urgently important for us to question our motives. We must ask ourselves why and we must do this often.
John the Baptist understood his mission and purpose quite well. When John’s disciples came to him asking what needed to be done when the crowds of people began to flock to Jesus and his disciples, John responded perfectly:
27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:27-30
Motive does matter. Are you taking the time to ask yourself “why”?