Introductory Thoughts
Believers should attempt to follow the pattern set forth by God in every way possible. If God has a motive for what He does, believers should do the same. In fact, believers should desire to mimic the Lord not only by having a motive, but by sharing the same motive as the Lord. If God’s motive in working is to bring Himself glory, then believers should “do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). If God’s motive is the sake of His own name, then believers should do what they do for the sake of the Lord’s name (Acts 9:16; 3 John 1:7; Revelation 2:3). This demands that everything a believer does is done as an ambassador (and representative) of the Lord Jesus Christ and not for himself (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Jesus is God (John 1:1, 14). While on earth, He brought glory to His Father (John 17:4) by always pleasing Him (John 8:29). Paul followed His example and taught others to do the same (Galatians 1:10; Colossians 1:10; 2 Timothy 3:10).
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(For everyone): How would making your motive the Lord's names sake change the way you approach everything in the Christian life from witnessing to praying to Bible reading and so on?
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What motives are listed in Philippians 1:15-17? Which motives are obviously ungodly motives? Did the Lord know the motives of these men? Does He know your motive?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you adopt His motive.
- Thank God for the opportunity to live for His names sake.
Song
O TO BE LIKE THEE!
