Introductory Thoughts
It is always right to do right, but it is more perfectly right to do right for the right reasons. Three times in Matthew chapter 6, the Bible emphasizes the fact that the people of God should do right in order to please the “Father which seeth in secret” (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18). The proper motive in one’s service yields great rewards from the Lord. At times, these rewards will show up in this life. At other times, one might have to wait for eternity to receive these rewards. Regardless, these rewards will always far surpass the rewards for those things done in this life out of unscriptural motives. This includes future rewards in both substance and duration. Serve the Lord, but do so out of a pure motive.
Devotional Thoughts
-
(For children): Jesus knew how much money the poor widow gave. He knew her heart and she will be rewarded (Mark 12:41-44). God knows secret things and will reward accordingly (Jeremiah 23:24; John 12:26b; Ephesians 6:8). He does not forget (Hebrews 6:10).
-
(For everyone): One of the rewards the Lord gives for service is a crown. If we do like the elders in Revelation 4:10, we will one day cast our rewards at the feet of Jesus. How should this cause the saint of God to insure he is serving with the right motive?
-
Who do you desire to please? How is this an important question when trying to discern your motive?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank God for the opportunity to please Him.
- Ask God to perfect your motives.
Song
OUR BEST
