Bible Blog Post - August 9, 2020

Ezra 8:21-9:15

1 Corinthians 5:1-13

Psalm 31:1-8

Proverbs 21:1-2

Have you ever thought that you were doing something good, but in reality it was something to boost your ego or self image?  Did anybody ever call you out on your motives for your actions?  Whether you have or you haven't, as we read in Proverbs 21:2, God knows your heart and the motives behind your decisions.  

When we rely on others to fulfill us and give us a feeling of self worth, we can experience temporary ego boosts when positive things are said, but we can also be brought down if their feedback is negative.  We need to take time to stop and see what our motives are, and make sure that our intent is a reflection of what God would want to see.  When we align our actions with His word and seek only His approval, we can feel comforted knowing that we are doing it for the right reasons.

For example, when you do a good deed, do you keep it to yourself or do you find yourself telling others that you did it?  If you find yourself doing the latter, was your motive really to help others and honor God by your works, or was it more important to get recognition?

There seems to be a relative theme with worldly things and wanting to get noticed by others.  On social media, people post highlights of their lives and enjoy getting likes.  When you get caught up in wanting the world's acknowledgement, you're missing the audience who you should really be aiming to please - God.  One clear example in the bible happens in Matthew 6:16 when Jesus calls out the Pharisees for making it obvious that they were fasting.  While there may have been some good intent with their decision to fast, it was also important to them that others knew what they were doing.  So in a sense, they were trying to boost their self image.

This week, dig deep into yourself and look back to some things that you did recently.  Ask yourself what your motives were, and if they were for selfish reasons, lift them up to God in your prayers this week and ask Him to reveal any selfishness in your heart.  

As a challenge, try to do a good deed and stay as anonymous as possible.  Bonus points if the person receiving your good deed doesn't know it came from you. :)

Amanda and Anthony