Motivation

We all know the old saying, “The end justifies the means.” But does it? Is it right to justify doing wrong in order to accomplish something good? In today’s culture the lines are blurred between right and wrong, good and bad. But those of us who love the Lord and live by His principles know that there is a distinction.

When I was in college I worked with a Christian businessman who casually said that he thought it was all right to lie in order to make someone feel good. That caught me by surprise because I was brought up in a strict Christian home where we were taught never to lie. I did it once when I was a little girl, and my mother read the riot act, and I’ve never done it again. But it amazes me how much lying goes on today. The police lie to suspects in order to obtain a confession. Most TV programs show families and friends lying to each other, so we become accustomed to that “norm.” We call the falsehoods “little white lies.” Is that OK? Just asking.

What motivates people to lie or cheat or steal, or even kill? It’s usually selfishness, but sometimes it could be to help a loved one. So what is our motivation for our actions each day? Shouldn’t the bottom line be to please God? And what pleases God? That takes some soul searching and close examination of His Word.

Ephesians 5:8 & 9 (TLB) says: “For though once your heart was full of darkness, now it is full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! Because of this light within you, you should do only what is good and right and true.”

Proverbs 12:22 (CSB) says: “Lying lips are detestable to the Lord, but faithful people are his delight.”

I Timothy 4:8 (NIV) says: “Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Romans 12:2 (JBP) says: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.”

What am I doing? Why? What is my motivation? Is it valid in God’s eyes? I think I’ll engage in some soul searching today. How about you?