Motive part 4
Another one of my all-time favorite verses: "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" (Colossians 3:23). Puts us in the right frame of mind, right? Because sometimes we think people don't deserve our love, or our effort, or what have you. Sometimes people do us wrong and we think "an eye for an eye!" Or, in my case, I think, "Ok. Smell ya later." Because I've been making conscious choices in my life to not let toxic people into my life. I'll turn the other cheek. I'll refrain from retaliating. But I'm not going to stand there and just let someone keep slapping me over and over and over again. Now, at the same time, that doesn't mean I wouldn't help that person, if help is what they really wanted. But a lot of the time it's like how they train lifeguards, or other rescue people, not to engage with someone who is drowning until they stop flailing and fighting. Because if someone isn't ready to receive your help, they might hurt you in the process. Take you down with them. And that's not good for anybody. So my point is, "Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24). My point is, go into all the earth and preach the gospel to every creature. Love everybody. Wherever you are. Because it's not about them. And, really, it's not that much about YOU either. It's about God. It's about love. It's about the love inside of you coming out of you (naturally) with every breath you take and every move you make. Receiving and releasing God's love. We love... because He first loved us. We love... because He has filled us with His love. He loves us, and we love Him back by loving each other. So, really, it's all about God. Doing whatever we do as unto HIM. Heartily. To the best of our ability, and because it's in our hearts to do it. Do it TO men, but not UNTO me. See a need in someone and meet it... but don't do it because you think they deserve it. Do it simply because it needs to be done. Do it, as I said yesterday, for one of two reasons: 1. Someone didn't do it for you and you know how that feels and want to correct it Or 2. Someone did it for you and you know how it feels and want to pass it along. There is no reason not to love someone--when you are judging not by appearance, but by righteous judgment. There is no reason not to love someone when you are doing is as to the Lord. Jesus has given us every reason to love Him. He literally gave His life for us, and to us, and as us. He gave us everything He has and everything He is. Loved us with the greatest love a man can have. Gave us everything. So that we could have it. So that we could enjoy it. So that we could give it away. Freely you have received, freely give. Our motive should not be hidden. It should not be an ulterior motive. It should be right out there in the open. "Why did you do that?" "Oh, because I love you." And, again, that love for others comes from God's love for us. What He has already given us simply needs to be received and released. And, the cool part is, we receive it BY releasing it. By knowing and believing that we have it. Giving it away. Sharing it. And in that way... experiencing it!