Devotionals

The Right Motive

by Jennifer Woodley 
04/27/21
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“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NRSV)

An opportunity has been presented to me to take on more school chaplaincy work. The situation is ideal – a short walk to work; the take home pay is appealing and the work is challenging. But these are not reasons enough to give a definitive ‘yes’.

Scripture reminds us to do all our work motivated by love. All that we do, all that we say, all that we think upon must be grounded in love. If love is the why of what we do, then everything will be right and true and good. And it will be glorifying to God.

Jesus lived a life of love. A love life that pleased God. Only a life motivated by love will reflect Jesus to others and be in obedience to the desires of our Heavenly Father. Love must define us – our work; our behaviour and our motives.

Paul reminds us succinctly in 1 Corinthians 13:1, “If I speak in tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol.” As a school chaplain, I could run new programs, skilfully facilitate pastoral conversations and work up exciting new social events, but if the motive is anything other than love, all efforts will be of no more worth than out-of-tune musical instruments.

Only love shared generously and abundantly edifies, anything less makes us appear as prideful noisemakers.

“Heavenly Father, help me to love genuinely and deeply as I seek the best and betterment of all those you lead me to today. May everything I do be done in love. Thank you.”