What motivates you to do the things you do? Today’s photo verse reminds us that we are nothing without love. I want to encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 13 today. It’s known as the love chapter, and it is an eye opener.
Today’s devotion is one that is difficult to write. I love writing posts that encourage, but today’s word is a word of correction.
I have always been a bit puzzled when disaster strikes and I hear of Hollywood actors putting together massive fundraisers to assist those affected, while the church fails to be on the forefront of the relief effort. Granted, Hollywood is generally wealthy and when you consider their giving in proportion to their wealth it may seem difficult to ‘compete’ with their efforts. But that’s the point … it isn’t a competition. Jesus once honored a poor widow who gave two mites because He saw that while others gave out of their abundance, her gift was a true sacrifice of love. (Read Mark 12:42-44) It isn’t about the money, it’s about the motivation.
Have you read the book, “The Five Love Languages “ ? In it we learn of 5 ways people generally receive and give love:
- Words of Affirmation
- Quality Time
- Gifts
- Acts of Service
- Physical Touch
My primary love languages are words of affirmation and physical touch. If you give me a hug, or even a touch on the shoulder, I feel valued. But if I am trying to give physical touch to someone whose primary love language is acts of service or gifts it might come across as trivial to them. This “love” thing is complicated!
The following verse used to puzzle me, but demonstrates the uselessness of good works IF they are not motivated by love.
“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Matthew 7:22-24 NKJV
We can’t earn our way into Heaven through good works. Our salvation is a gift from God to those who believe. However, when our works are motivated by love we bless others and please God. I believe our rewards in Heaven are compiled though acts of love. Do what you do because of love, not by coercion, people pleasing, selfish ambition or recognition. Another words … check your motives .
Deb Wilson 