Motives

“Say to all the people of the land and the priests, When you fasted and mourned in the fifth month and in the seventh, for these seventy years, was it for me that you fasted? " - Zechariah 7:5

When you give a gift, extend a kindness, play the host or do a favor, for whom do you labor? This is a timeless and highly provocative question. In some ways it can also be a rather convicting query. What is the ultimate motive for the performing of your good deeds?

No matter how pure you believe your motives may be, the sinful, selfish nature tends to play havoc. The above question is asked by the Lord and addresses a far more significant issue in life. For whom do we exercise our efforts of worship and praise? As with everything else, do we struggle with our own expectations, our personal gain, our peace, our hopes, our dreams and our blessings? What about the Lord?

From ages far gone by the question lingers my friend ... this coming Sunday; will it be "all about you" or "all about the Lord"? As we read in Zechariah 8:2, "Thus says the LORD of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath." When we come to worship, the Lord is jealous for pure motives and uncompromising love. Take time to focus your heart before you enter.