St. John and I are continuing our quiet time together. This one really made me think about my motives in how I pursue ministry, why I do things for others, all in the name of God. But is it really for his glory?
There are many Christians who are virtuous people, who do great things, but their irtues and good works are utterly useless in the matter of eternal life, because they seek themselves in them, and not solely the honor and glory of God.
The Christian must keep in mind that the value of their good works depends on the love which motivates them to perform them for God. Those works are most perfect when wrought in the most sincere love of God, and with the least regard to present or future self-interest, joy and sweetness, consolation and praise.
The heart therefore must not rest in the joy, comfort, delight and advantages which holy habits and good works bring with them. It must refer all to God, desiring only that God may rejoice in what is done in secret, and with God’s honor and glory as its only motivation./blockquote>
There are areas in my life where I do seek to please God but that is not necessarily the seat of my motivation. How would my actions and ministry change if I realized that any thanks or appreciation I crave is given to me a thousand times more than I could imagine if I would only look to God for affirmation rather than others? If instead of looking around me to see what other people think I were to stop and listen to God. To hear what he thinks rather than assuming I already know. Instead of my head spinning around looking for someone to notice, I turn towards him and see what he wants me to see, to learn, and taste the magnificent love he has for me. And with that knowledge I long to serve him first with a heart of worship and gratitude and let that be my motivation for serving others.