It is so wonderful, so inspiring to realize that, as the authors of "Experiencing God" (Blackaby and Cloud) so firmly underscore, God is at work, everywhere, all of the time. I saw a news story about a lady who was celebrating her ninetieth birthday by collecting money for the Salvation Army outside of a business. She handed out cookies to folks walking by in celebration of her own birthday. It was her day, and she was doing for others. What an example.
I think it's a good idea to check your motives every once in a while, with regard to your relationships. Some people are naturally selfless, and others are so far along in their spiritual lives that giving with the right motives is as natural as breathing to them. I thought this morning about some of the people I love. Bending over backwards for my children is like protecting my left arm (I'm left-handed), or shielding my eyes from harm. It's instinctive. But what about the other relationships in my life, people like my parents or brother and sisters? Friends, neighbors? I stand to gain so much from knowing them, from having them hold me in high esteem. Do I do anything for them simply for their benefit alone? It's food for thought. I heard a preacher say a couple of years back "Motive is everything to God." Makes sense. He just doesn't bless selfish acts. He's not in them. And He sees what no one else sees.
If you want a blessing that will knock your socks off, and put wind in your spiritual sails which will carry you a country mile, just let God use you anonymously. Let Him direct your steps today, and be aware of need around you. Consciously try to give in areas in which you will receive no personal benefit. You may end up hearing someone say something like this: "You know, I was praying for someone to come along." Wouldn't that be the Christmas present to end all presents???
I think it's a good idea to check your motives every once in a while, with regard to your relationships. Some people are naturally selfless, and others are so far along in their spiritual lives that giving with the right motives is as natural as breathing to them. I thought this morning about some of the people I love. Bending over backwards for my children is like protecting my left arm (I'm left-handed), or shielding my eyes from harm. It's instinctive. But what about the other relationships in my life, people like my parents or brother and sisters? Friends, neighbors? I stand to gain so much from knowing them, from having them hold me in high esteem. Do I do anything for them simply for their benefit alone? It's food for thought. I heard a preacher say a couple of years back "Motive is everything to God." Makes sense. He just doesn't bless selfish acts. He's not in them. And He sees what no one else sees.
If you want a blessing that will knock your socks off, and put wind in your spiritual sails which will carry you a country mile, just let God use you anonymously. Let Him direct your steps today, and be aware of need around you. Consciously try to give in areas in which you will receive no personal benefit. You may end up hearing someone say something like this: "You know, I was praying for someone to come along." Wouldn't that be the Christmas present to end all presents???
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