For the Love of Jesus

It has been noted that you can fool some of the people all the time and all the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all the people all the time. However, of utmost importance is that you can’t fool God any of the time! You see, man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. I’m talking about motives.  

Someone may say, “What difference does it make as long as I do the right thing?” 

For the answer to that question let’s turn to Matthew 6:16-18. Jesus said, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” 

So, the question for us to consider is this: Why do you? Why do I serve the Lord? Is it so men will think we are spiritual? Is it to make ourselves feel good? Maybe we have another reason. The only motive that will earn us a heavenly reward is a pure heart (Matthew 5:8). 

Those who serve Christ out of a pure heart serve out of love and gratitude for all that He has done for them. There is no ulterior, selfish motive. The humble servant has his eyes focused solely on pleasing the Lord Jesus. His “audience” consists of only one person – Jesus Christ! 

Is that you? Is that me? It is worth the effort to find out. If we serve for any self-serving reason, our reward will only be a temporary one – the applause of fickle men whose praise is transitory. The man who serves Christ out of love will gain an eternal, heavenly reward! 

May the Lord give us the humility, insight and courage to examine ourselves and make any necessary changes.