They came into the world that way, but they couldn’t help it. It was part of their nature to do what they were doing.
My children. Yours. Everyone’s. Cute little bundles we hold close, cuddle and snuggle with. But it doesn’t take long to notice they have a few undesirable traits. They come wrapped in greed and selfishness. If you doubt it, they will convince you soon enough.
Following our daughter’s birth, we were instructed to wake her every few hours for feeding-even at night. Our parents said let her sleep. She would wake up when she was hungry. We did the first for a short time but soon discovered our parents were right. She didn’t mind rousing us at night for a feeding, to change her diaper or to replace her wet crib sheets. In fact, she didn’t mind for two years and our son didn’t for three.
Then came the terrible twos and after when life was all about them-what they wanted and how they expected us to sacrifice. They had to be taught to share and to give to those who had less.
Upon reflection, I’ve determined I’m not much different-nor is anyone else. Solomon evidently witnessed the same: I saw that all labor and all skillful work is due to a man's jealousy of his friend. (Ecclesiastes 4:4 HCSB).
What motivates me to give to the less fortunate, love the unlovable, serve the undeserving, and work for those who may not appreciate my efforts is just as important as the act itself. I may perform many good deeds but if the motivating motivator is greed and selfishness, God will not honor or reward them. My only recompense will be the praise others may give. But deep inside this will not satisfy for I’ll know I did it for the wrong reasons.
Loving, serving and giving are simply the right things to do. Doing them with ulterior motives will always result in disappointment but the right intentions will bring lasting happiness.
Prayer: Lord, may we love and serve because we have been loved and served by You. www.lovelinesfromgod.com
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! TRUST JESUS NOW
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