Serving God with the Right Motivations

We have been discussing Paul’s godly ambition in Romans 15:20, but we must careful of our motives and not be radical just for the sake of being radical.

I remember the first time I wrote a letter to a mission board in 1983 about serving God, and I said something like, “I want to go on short term with you because you guys are radical and on the cutting edge, etc.”

The Letter I got back was a rebuke. I wish I could find it.

It said something like, “a true servant of God will be serving God with motives of love and humility no matter where he is, overseas or in the USA, in the nursery or washing dishes or sweeping the floor or repairing a car. Going overseas will not change you into God’s servant.”

If you are a Christian you already are a servant. But we have to constantly check our motives for serving God.

Why do you serve God? Why do you not serve God?

Fear? Guilt? Wanting gain, rewards? Do you want recognition? Are you trying to get God’s favor or love? Are you trying to pay God back for His salvation, as if you could do that? Are you serving God because it makes you feel good?

We need to examine our motives, but not get too introspective.

“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.

But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.

For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.

Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.”

I Corinthians 4:1-5