Motives Count

By Pat

As I was doing a recent time of devotion, the scripture to which I was directed was Romans 12:1-8. I am very familiar with these passages, which encourage us to use the gifts God has given us, and remind is that each gift has a special value all its own. These verses have brought me comfort many times when I have felt that my talents and gifts do not compare well with the gifts others have, but what struck me this time was the heart with which we use our talents. "If it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give GENEROUSLY. If it is leadership, let him govern DILIGENTLY. If it is showing mercy, let him do it CHEERFULLY." (Romans 12:8)

No matter what works we throw ourselves into, we better be having the right attitude! God doesn't want token shows of service, and we all know what Jesus said about being hypocritical. So whatever you're doing to serve the Lord, let your heart be filled with the right motives, for even though we might be fooling others, we're surely not fooling God. God does not want lukewarm servers! Remember that as far as God is concerned, it's not only what you do, but how you do it!

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.