Motivation Behind Ministry
1 Thessalonians 2:5-8: "As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us."
As ministers of the Gospel, Paul and his associates could have expected church members to care for them and provide for their needs. However, so as not to hinder the proclamation of the Gospel and the reception of that proclamation, Paul and his team did not make those demands upon the church. Instead, they sought to faithfully care for the people and to serve them, instead of being served themselves. They served not for human approval or gain but out of love, love first for God then love for God's people. Paul used maternal language when he said they were like a nurse caring for her own children. Just as a mother holds her children close, especially in times of sickness or weakness, so Paul treated these people. Paul wanted them to know the depth of his love and care for them.
This love and care fueled Paul's ministry. In contrast to what was said about Paul, he never sought his own gain or fame. He sought to glorify God through preaching and teaching God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul defended his motivations so that his ministry was not compromised. If Paul's ministry was compromised, then the very essence of the Gospel would be undermined. The integrity of Paul's ministry was so vital to Paul's witness.
What motivates you to share the Gospel and to do God's work? Is it the praise and adoration of people in your church? Are you seeking approval from the leaders or your spouse or children? Do you long to appear holy and righteous before people? It is critical for us to examine the motivations of our hearts. The Lord longs for his people to do his work with a pure conscience and motivation. May we take some time today to allow the Lord to search our hearts and to know our motivations, to help us to fully surrender to him, and to align our hearts with his.
Reflection:
Ask the Lord to search your heart today, to reveal the motivations within your heart, and then to purify your heart today. May the Lord create in us a heart like Paul's.
As ministers of the Gospel, Paul and his associates could have expected church members to care for them and provide for their needs. However, so as not to hinder the proclamation of the Gospel and the reception of that proclamation, Paul and his team did not make those demands upon the church. Instead, they sought to faithfully care for the people and to serve them, instead of being served themselves. They served not for human approval or gain but out of love, love first for God then love for God's people. Paul used maternal language when he said they were like a nurse caring for her own children. Just as a mother holds her children close, especially in times of sickness or weakness, so Paul treated these people. Paul wanted them to know the depth of his love and care for them.
This love and care fueled Paul's ministry. In contrast to what was said about Paul, he never sought his own gain or fame. He sought to glorify God through preaching and teaching God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul defended his motivations so that his ministry was not compromised. If Paul's ministry was compromised, then the very essence of the Gospel would be undermined. The integrity of Paul's ministry was so vital to Paul's witness.
What motivates you to share the Gospel and to do God's work? Is it the praise and adoration of people in your church? Are you seeking approval from the leaders or your spouse or children? Do you long to appear holy and righteous before people? It is critical for us to examine the motivations of our hearts. The Lord longs for his people to do his work with a pure conscience and motivation. May we take some time today to allow the Lord to search our hearts and to know our motivations, to help us to fully surrender to him, and to align our hearts with his.
Reflection:
Ask the Lord to search your heart today, to reveal the motivations within your heart, and then to purify your heart today. May the Lord create in us a heart like Paul's.
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