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Even Wrong Motives

Even Wrong Motives

Words of Faith 8-1-19

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2019

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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Philippians 1 

     [15] It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. [16] The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the Gospel. [17] The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. [18] But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.

 

       Apparently, there have always been charlatans, those who are religious for reasons other than to honor God.

      The word "charlatan" comes from the Italian word for chatter or prattle. The word originally described street vendors.  There have always been those who hawk religion like a chattering street vendor.  Today they are just more visible, have better technology, and make higher profits.  Sadly, there may be many others who started with good motives and intentions but got lost along the way. 

       I have observed even in the staffing of churches and ministries that there are those for whom ministry is "a job," for other "a career," and still others "a calling.”  Those who practice ministry as a job are concerned mostly about their benefits and whether they are working too hard.  Those who practice ministry as a career are concerned chiefly about their resume, power, and where the present position will get them in the future.  

       But those who are "called" are concerned only with discerning where God is inviting them to be involved in His work, as an expression His love.  This is the "goodwill" or good motive Paul was talking about. 

       Paul was obviously called.  Others in his day were looking for religious employment or career advancement.  But Paul had an impressive view on it all.  Rather than be cynical about those who were preaching for wrong motives, Paul made the conscious choice to TRUST God.  "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached." 

      That may be the miracle of miracles: God works even when motives are wrong. People are saved and healed even at the crusades run by the greatest of charlatans.  Why?  Because God is the God of mercy even in spite of our human failings.  God is at work all around us, even to this very day (John 5:17).

       Likewise, a thriving ministry with great results and salvation numbers and healings is not an endorsement of the preacher.  These things are simply the victory of God alone and His greatness.  The key for us is not to get upset or criticize or be overly controlling of ministry we do not fully understand.  God is God.  He is at work.  Even in the most unusual of ways and often in spite of us. 

       Where are you today?  How are YOUR motives?  Is your will "good"?  Have you been upset about others?  Trust God.  He is at work all around you.

 

      Lord, teach me to trust You even when others let me down.  Teach me to trust You with things I do not understand and especially the motives of others.  Refine in me a "good will," motives that seek You and express only Your love.  In Jesus name, Amen.

 

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The Words of Faith devotion is published five days a week by E-mail, and our website, and our church app, excluding Federal holidays. Please feel free to forward this devotion to a friend who might be blessed by this devotion. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2010 Jeffrey D. Hoy. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this copyrighted material or use portions of it with appropriate notation of the source for non-profit purposes.  

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