Flowers bloom only if the seed dies. Lessons are learned through hardships.
(Picture by Lisa R.)

Do motives matter? I am contemplating that question today. If we do something “good”, but for “wrong” reasons is what we’ve accomplished really good? I have an acquaintance that has a business. From the profits of the business they use monies gained to help the less fortunate (this is an awesome venture). But here’s what I was thinking, people who use this services do so in order that my acquaintance would be the person to find the need and meet it. Basically he is doing good acts for people who by my estimation (this is my opinion) are either too lazy or too caught up in their own lives, to do it themselves. The need gets met, but… I bring this up only because my motives have been on the grumpy end today. I have done the “right” things, and said all the “right” things, but my heart is NOT in the right place. Let me explain, my mom CAN drive, but does not like to do it. So this morning she woke me up to take her some place she could have easily driven to all on her own, I grumbled and complained (because I was awakened from a DEAD sleep). As punishment, I did what she wanted, but with the worst attitude EVER. My actions where right, but my motivation was wrong. Because I started out the day with this personality defect, it has been the driving force through most of my interactions (yes, I have been quuuuite the gem today). So when God knocked me on my butt by reminding me of my devotions today, Romans 12. it was sobering. But it left me realizing that motives matter. If you’re going to do good, do it with a right heart. Don’t do it for personal gain, or personal revenge.  Today I had to apologize for doing the right thing. Why? Anyone who paid attention to me could see, that even if my actions were right (someone actually called me out), the attitude was wrong. Today I learned that the heart behind the act is as important as the act itself. Don’t be fooled into believing that wrong motives can be hidden by good actions.

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone” (Romans 12:17).

So what am I thankful for today? Sobering realizations…they hurt, but help make me better.