The Right Motive

"For the love of Christ controls us..." II Cor 5:14

Hudson Taylor was interviewing some young people who had volunteered for the Lord's service. He asked several practical questions to find out how well qualified they were for the life they were anticipating. "And why do you wish to go as a foreign missionary?" - "I want to reach others across the sea, because Christ has commanded us to go unto all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature," one replied. Another said, "I want to go because millions are dying without ever having heard of Jesus, the only One who can save them." Others had similar answers.

Hudson Taylor looked at them thoughtfully for a moment, and then said, "All of your motives are good, but I fear they will fail you in times of severe testing and tribulation, especially if you are confronted with the possibility of having to face death for your testimony." The only motive that will enable you to remain true is stated in II Cor 5:14, "For the love of Christ controls us."

People serve the Lord for many reasons: • Legalism, fear • Prestige for reputation • Be thought of as righteous • Peer pressure • Some, because of intimidation.

There are many reasons, but none of those are what we would call 'true spiritual service.' Why? Because it is external. It is going through the motions, but it does not come from the heart. As a matter of fact, there are many today who serve the Lord for money, today in our society, 'Jesus' sells. But all of those are external, fleshly, and done for all the wrong reasons. Some people are willing to serve God, but only on a consultant basis!

How about you? Do you serve Jesus, or do you want Jesus to serve you?