Who Do We Really Please

In Today’s Lifejournall.cc online devotional we read:

“We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” 1 Thess 1:2b

Observation: Paul is writing this because the church in Thessalonica was obviously questioning his motives (how do we know this? because when he writes, he addresses issues raised through letters sent to him that we may not have today). They (the church) were not confident that his motives were completely pure. They perhaps thought he was preaching and teaching for some kind of personal gain, pride, power, or fame. So Paul reminded them that in his suffering it would be silly to do such a thing, unless completely inspired to do so by God.

Application: Has anyone ever questioned your motives. As a man, sometimes we are extra nice to our spouse because we want something in return. Or you bought a cup of coffee for the boss to get in the right position, or you were kind with hopes of something in return. What Paul is teaching us today is that when it comes to loving and serving others, our motives must be completely pure, otherwise it has no baring on how you are serving God and His kingdom. So ask yourself today, what are the things you do because of pure love and obedience, and what are the things you do to gain something. If you only have time for one make sure you drop the one that has selfish motives.

Prayer: God, give me pure and absolutely unselfish desires to serve you today!