Why Do You Do What You Do?

Sometimes I take a position on an issue because I passionately believe it.
Sometimes I take your position on an issue because I want your approval.

Sometimes I meet you for coffee because I’m genuinely interested in connection.
Sometimes I meet you for coffee because I want to appear pastoral.

Sometimes I post something funny on Twitter to make you laugh.
Sometimes I post something funny on Twitter so you’ll think I’m funny.

(Sometimes I’m the only one that thinks it’s funny, but that’s another post).

Sometimes I read the Bible because I long for God to speak to me.
Sometimes I read the Bible to try and earn God’s approval.

Sometimes I play with my kids because I love to see them smile.
Sometimes I play with my kids to silence my guilty conscience.

Sometimes I lead worship to point people towards God.
Sometimes I lead worship because I love to feel like a rock star.

Sometimes I post a blog to share something that might help you.
Sometimes I post a blog looking for validation for my perspectives.

What a messed up bunch we are! Our motives are sneaky. They originate in us, yet we’re the easiest ones to fool. Beautiful. Evil. Broken. Redeemed. What am I drawing from? What am I longing for? Why do I do what I do? What’s my angle? What’s my “why?”

The exact same action can draw it’s meaning from two completely different roots:

1. Feed me. Elevate me. Release me. Satisfy me. Un-guilt me. Approve of me.

Or….

2. Feed them. Elevate God. Lavish love. Sacrifice for others. Serve something greater.

“Mixed motives twist life into tangles; pure motives take you straight down the road.” –Proverbs 21:8 MSG

Why do you do what you do? Is the driving force your self or something greater? Someone greater? It might be a question worth wrestling with today.

Our motives are deceitful. Sneaky. Filled with lies.

But…

Jesus is loving. Transforming. Full of grace.