Why Did You Do It?

 Happy Friday, Friends! 

I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new opportunity begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama!!! 😊 

Why did you do it? 

Merriam-Webster online defines motive as “something (such as a need or desire) that causes a person to act.”

So, why did you do it? Why did you smile, or not, at the stranger? Why did you hold the door, or not, for someone? Why did you do, or not, that thing for your spouse/partner? Why are you, or not, getting your kid in club sports? Why did you help, or not, that person that needed help? Why?

Motive is a very important thing. In I Samuel 16:7, it says, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” We like to do things for appearance, to gain affirmation or applause however the Lord tells us the key is the heart.

Have you ever done something that to everyone looked like a good thing but in your heart, you knew it wasn’t? Let me say it another way; have you ever done something for someone so people would think you were nice or kind? How did that feel? On the other hand, have you ever seen someone in need of help, and you just helped them because you were genuinely kind and compassionate? How did that feel? Let’s try this one; have you ever done something at work because you wanted to be recognized? How did that feel? Or, have you ever done something at work to the very best of your ability because you felt that is what you were called to do? How did that feel?

I have found that things that are done from selfish ambition or selfish gain leave me feeling empty, unfulfilled, and disappointed in myself. Conversely, I have found that when I selflessly give of myself, I feel fulfilled and inspired. And here is the thing, if I do something from selfish ambition and get recognized for it, I might feel better for a moment of time however there is always this gnawing at the inner recesses of the spirit because I know that my motives were less than pure. On the other hand, if I simply strive for excellence because that is what I feel I am called to do, there is a deep peace and satisfaction that comes with it, regardless of whether I get recognized or not.

This week I simply want to encourage us to think and pray about our motives. Let us make sure they are pure and in line with the life we want to live. There is something far greater than praise and recognition, it is a peace in your spirit when you lay your head on the pillow at the end of a long day. It is far more satisfying, at the soul level, than praise or applause! 😊

I want to end this week by sharing Philippians 2: 3 – 4:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family! I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.

Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, please cherish your precious families, and please stay well! 😊

Kev