God Motivation in "God Motivation"

In putting together "God Motivation" I have not always been God motivated. Something is wrong with that picture. There are continually temptations for me to write in such a way that I will win the approval of men, to think about the subject in such a way that I praise myself for thinking of it, or to put up a new post each week in order to maintain a certain frequency. The following is an examination of these temptations which have led me to sin and the consideration of remedies against them.

I love praise from people and am not satisfied with only the Lord's approval. But when I seek both I lose the one more important. Quite frankly, it is easier to win favor with man than with God. The former can be achieved with a mask on, the latter only through nakedness and abandonment of all unto Christ who clothes me. To be honest, I find that in writing on the topic of "God Motivation" I all too often wear the mask. I want to be seen as humble, wise, persuasive, witty, resolved, and zealous. And even when I seek to abandon these pursuits, I have a hope that man will see me as pure in my motives. Ah yes, my pride goes deep. My God motivation needs purified lest I be much like the Pharisees. Jesus saw straight to their hearts, just as He sees into mine. He spoke against groups like this as recorded in Matthew 6:16-18, And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Tricky, tricky! With faces likely to the ground as if to act humble, and sporting a disheveled appearance so as to let people know that they weren't thinking at all about themselves, they walked about before others. And to some extent it was probably working...on men. They received the reward they were after. But if we are to do something that is to be an act of devotion to God (like fasting or writing about godly things), we're not to do it for attention unless we're satisfied with an earthly reward. I want "God Motivation" to be God motivated, that the secret One may see my secret heart and be pleased. I want what He has to offer by way of eternal reward.

Now the second temptation, namely, pride in "God Motivation" as a good idea. "What a novel concept! What a theme with originality!" Such have been the contemplations of my secret heart on more than one occasion. But I am quickly humbled when I think about the truth of the matter for the subject at hand is really neither of the two. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, "See, this is new?" It has been already in the ages before us (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10). I find this so quickly to be true as I consider all that have influenced my thinking and really all who have walked in the faith before me. Take for instance John Piper's ministry theme, "Desiring God." "God Motivation" is much the same (only far less developed), just with new packaging. But even if there is a form of newness when it comes to "my idea," there is still no room for boasting before the God who is the Giver of everything good, true, helpful, etc. (James 1:17). A God motivated attitude toward "God Motivation" is one in which all praise for such a subject is His. And when I am God motivated in thinking about this truth, I find that my joy is far more complete because everything is then in it's proper place.

Finally, thoughts on posting each week for the sake of putting up new posts. I must say that I do take some delight in disciplines for they are easy ways to see that nothing of importance is left out of a schedule. "God Motivation" has for me been a subject that I have committed to thinking through on a regular basis, and I do believe that God has directed me to do just that. But I again must confess that it has not always been in obedience to Him that I have written on the subject. I have given thought instead to putting up a new post each week so that I might keep my schedule (and of course not "disappoint" my...two...faithful readers!--see 1st temptation) and develop the subject. But I am challenged to be more led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:18) in these times instead of motivated by some law that I have set for myself. The Spirit always leads us in God's will and toward God Himself, making God motivation possible in the first place. In such leading is where I must rest and write.

Lord God, please keep me from the great temptations of seeking the praise of man, considering myself independently wise or creative, and acting habitually apart from the leading of your Holy Spirit. Help me to see You as my Reward, the Author of all things good, and the One I need to show me what it means to be God motivated and write about such. Amen.

God Motivation and the Abortion Issue

The topic of abortion has been a dividing subject lately. The left is irritated that the right makes it such a central issue, and the right is bewildered that abortion can be treated with anything less than detestation. The second is where I reside. Only I have been past the point of bewilderment to downright anger. I hope that what follows here will be one of righteous indignation and not senseless ranting.

Of course one of the main reasons that the pro-life/pro-choice debate has been given so much attention lately is because of the approaching presidential election and where the democratic nominee, Barack Obama, stands on this issue. But more on that shortly. Surrounding the upcoming election are many personal conversations: ones at work, with family, on Facebook, etc. Some of the comments that I've been hearing from the pro-choice side have included indignance over any suggestion that they don't value life as much and pro-lifers, annoyance over the fact that there are so many bad home situations out there that babies are born into, and ardent defense of Obama because he wants "fewer abortions."

Let's take the first of those comments: Someone who is pro-choice values life just as much as someone who is pro-life. Really. I'm going to have to say that for a pro-choicer to argue such, there is only one way for that to hold water; he/she has to say that the unborn do not constitute life. The pro-life stance is that all life is equally valuable and should be protected. Unless a pro-choice individual tries to argue that the unborn do not fall into the category of human life, he/she does not agree with the pro-life stance of lives being equally valuable across the board. In other words, pro-choice advocates value choice over some stages of human life. Or they could even say it another way: A woman's choice is sometimes more valuable than the life of an unborn child. That is a sick statement filled with selfishness, but at least it is an honest one. Now if one wants to argue that the unborn are not human lives, so be it. There isn't much to stand on in that camp, at least nothing much beyond personal hunches or attempts to escape the reality of what is being done in an abortion. "It can't live on it's own, so it isn't really a life" some might say. I suppose then that we ought to take everyone off of medications that are keeping them living. Diabetics perhaps? Come on. No sane pro-lifer (yes, there are insane ones out there) is going to accuse pro-choice supporters of wanting to kill all the babies in the world, but please, let's be honest in what our stances really mean.

The second statement: There are so many bad home situations that babies are born into (so we should abort some of them before they make it there). It is true that there are scores of bad situations in the world and that many babies are conceived through terrible instances (rape, incest, and the like), but again, do we kill the innocent because situations were/are bad? Please, if you know anyone contemplating abortion because of the rough situation (or any situation) they were/are in, let Gen and I know and we'll do all that we can to adopt the baby or find someone else who is able to. I'll admit that this is a place where we as the church need to stand up and take more action. God motivation is the ultimate answer which means people need the gospel that they might see their need for the Savior, understand the sanctity of marriage (as the only place for sexual expression), and value all life made in God's image. Archaic? Dream world? Beyond what is realistic? I guess this is one area where I'll quote Obama: "Hope and Change!" My God delivers both in a way that none of us ever could on our own. I have hope for change that leads us back to Him, where He drives us at our core, influencing our every thought and action, and stands before us as the One we simply must have more of.

Third: Obama wants "fewer abortions." I'm sorry, is that really supposed to be comforting coming from his lips? This is a man who, when talking about his hypothetical grandchild would fear that his daughter might feel punished with a baby after making a "mistake". This is a man who talks about taking care of "the least of these" but doesn't insist that babies born alive after botched abortions need to be cared for or that partial birth abortions are simply wrong. I know, I know, he tries to skirt the issue on these things now that the election is nearly here, but there is certainly evidence that can point to where he truly stands. I simply could not find myself voting for a man who thinks with the above logic. My aim here is not to be pro-McCain, but it is to express my frustration with Obama and those who support him because he supposedly has good "economic plans." Once again, I have to say, "Really?!" I guess we do love our money.

Lord, I know that I have sinned against You and others in the past months while thinking and talking about this issue. My anger has not always been righteous. Please fill me and motivate me more in every way, and please open up our eyes to see the horrificness of abortion. Please work in your church that we might be a light to those in darkness and a place for the unwanted. In Jesus' name, Amen.

God Motivation in Giving

Last Sunday we were blessed once again to have one of our elders bring to us the Word of God in our stewardship series addressing the church's financial surplus. He put much emphasis on blessing others with our abundance and spent a significant time talking about those who are in great need in the world, living at a level of poverty that will very well lead to their starvation in the near future (and at this moment). He gave the statistics that many of us have probably heard at one point or another, but somehow as these numbers were combined with his reading of Matthew 25:31-46, my heart was more gripped with conviction to give than perhaps ever before. I asked him later, recalling that he spoke of organizations that are doing a great job helping the poor face to face, what ones he was referring to. Specifically, I wanted to know which groups were ones that he thought did the best job in both meeting physical needs and in sharing the gospel. One that came out with prominence as we talked was World Vision. And then after talking with Gen some this week on how much we might give, she also brought up the Pregnancy Resource Center where she volunteers once a week. The center offers abortion alternatives, gives practical aid to new moms while educating them on motherhood, and shares the gospel with every client who will listen. They are always in need of further funding, but do so much to offer life both in the present and eternal sense. We decided to give half of the gift there; what a blessing it is to have a like-minded, further perspective-giving wife!

But returning to the issue in general...besides the fact that there are many needs in the world, why give? Here are some of the things that God was impressing upon my heart and mind over the course of this week:

1.) I do not want to be found "saying" to Jesus on the day of judgment, "Look at my savings account, Lord!" Not only do I think He would be greatly unimpressed, but I fear that I would look all too much like the goats who did not take care of "Jesus" when they saw Him in need. Similarly, just before this passage in Matthew 25, the servant who had been given the one talent from his master was greatly punished for not multiplying it, a multiplication that should have been for eternal purposes if we understand anything of the context. I so want to hear Jesus say, "Well done good and faithful servant!," and not "People died and that without knowing Me for the sake of you feeling secure in your financial stability."

2.) I have been struck with an increased fear of the temptation to sin that comes with prosperity. Last night as I was reading a bit of John Owen, this was addressed. "Prosperity and temptation go together; yea, prosperity is a temptation, many temptations, and that because without eminent supplies of grace it is apt to cast a soul into a frame and temper exposed to any temptation, and provides it with fuel and food for all." It is not that Owen was against having money but just that it can be so very dangerous if we find our security in it and use it for any opportunities to sin. It can provide a great platform for arrogance, frivolousness, or the slighting of others. We are all too willing to stand upon wealth as if it strengthens the soul and gives us what we need for a full life, even at others' expense. Mankind will continue to buy the lie of "happiness in wealth" until he is willing to give all that He has unto the Lord who knows what to do with money. I fear the temptation of loving riches and also the blindness that might creep into my life should I store up wealth for myself. I desperately want to be God motivated, seeing Him clearly and sensing the Spirit's promptings. God within and God without.

3.) Finally, I could hear some arguing against being too generous today because of the "bind" that our economy is in right now. But if the doom and gloom that is being prophesied actually comes true and our money ends up being essentially valueless (or gone without being spent), what better time to give? Of course, there have been plenty of prophesies that haven't come true as well. Only time will tell and only God fully knows. It seems that I better be faithful today, listening to what He says.

Sovereign Lord, please be my motivation in managing all that You have entrusted to me. Guard me from temptations to horde, to grow cold to needs, to live as if being financially "set" is a good life goal. Help me to love well, to work hard, and to trust that You, my Motivation, will ultimately provide for the needs of my family. You have so graciously done this already and I trust in Your continual care. And Lord, please use the gifts that we give to bless in such a way that Your glory is beheld in great increasing measure. Glorify Your name, Lord! Amen.

God Motivation in Judging

Recently someone posted an anonymous comment on my entry "God Motivation and the Love of Self," frustrated that I was judging Ray Boltz for entering into the gay lifestyle. It seemed good to think through the subject a bit more.

A favorite verse of the public seems to be Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, that you be not judged." Sometimes it is quoted contextually, oftentimes not. Jesus made this statement to direct people toward self-examination before correcting someone else. Another statement of Jesus that is not repeated nearly as often is, "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment" (John 7:24). Here, Jesus was challenging the religious authorities for condemning him after a good work he did on the Sabbath while they were fine with performing ritualistic acts of the law on the same day.

In reality, Jesus was saying almost the same thing in both instances. He was telling His audiences, "Make sure you are seeing a subject rightly before correcting someone else." His aim was not for us to cease making judgments about anything and everything (that would be a scary world!). But before we get too excited and think all we need to do is a bit of contemplation before delivering the whip, there's another factor to consider. Believe it or not, there is a standard to judge by and we're not it. It's never gone well for the human race when everyone has done what is right in his own eyes (see the book of Judges). God, as He has revealed Himself (and His desires) in the Bible, is the Standard that Jesus pointed people to and the one that we'll be judged by.

We're really not all that unfamiliar with this concept. Consider our modern-day judges. We would be (or should be) appalled if, in the courtroom, they started just giving their opinion on matters, convicting those they didn't like very well and acquitting those they were more comfortable with. No, we expect them to know well and then point to another standard, the law, and judge according to it. Neither would we expect them to duck under their desks every time an uncomfortable or controversial subject came up, declaring, "I'll not judge! I'll not judge!" We expect them to gather information, hold it up against the law, and "make a right judgment."

It is not that we are called to never judge, but that we are to consider that there is both a weight and a responsibility that comes with judgment, while understanding that more is required than simply the involvement of our own minds. And so, when I say that Ray Boltz, someone who claims to be a Bible-believing Christian, is wrong in entering into the gay lifestyle, I do it pointing toward the Standard that both he and I are called to live by. This life is not about what either he or I decide we want to make of it and/or how we want to live it, but about what God in His infinite wisdom has commanded, both for our good and His glory. Having God Motivation in judging looks to God as the Judge where we find Him grabbing our shoulders from behind to aim us in the right direction, a direction that will ultimately lead us to Him.

It seems that my anonymous friend has judged me in saying that I have judged another, but I must say that I am not sure what standard he/she has pointed me to insodoing. But I do welcome the comment nonetheless and hope that upon further thought we are both more prepared to make right judgments.

Lord God, please teach me to be motivated by You and toward You in all evaluation, whether of myself, others, the culture, or the world. Help me to make right judgments with a right heart before You.