motivation of our actions
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JoeUser Forums
Why do we do the things we do?
What makes us get up out of bed every day, and go to work, or school in my case?
What is our motivation in the activities we are involved in, and why do we enjoy them, or if we don't, why do we do them?
All around I see people doing great deeds for others, especially around Christmas time. it is a great thing to help those in need, but sometimes i think i see a wolf in sheep's clothing. someone who's out helping others, with wrong intentions. they want to be recognized for their actions, and want people to see what a wonderful person they are, while they can whine and complain and be the martyr when it's all over. "I was here until 10:30 on Christmas Eve helping the orphans get presents and I didn't even get home until 11:30 and didn't get to spend any time with my family that night. then i had to get up at 5AM to finish wrapping and then........" If you're just going to complain about helping those less fortunate, why do it? Spare us the big long speech about how much time and effort you gave up to help them, because, SUPRISE! it's not about you. it should be about showing those other people the love of Christ. it's about the ones you're helping. not you. No one is forcing you to help. no one makes you go all out for various activities and such. you put into it what you will. people might not want your help if you aren't helping out of the good of your heart. if you're just doing it so others can see what a great person you are, be careful because other people might notice that. you should always make sure your motives are pure when you commit to do anything. for yourself, so you don't get wrapped into a big long commitment to do something you never intended to do in the first place, and for others, so they can have someone take care of them who really WANTS to do it, and who won't complain about it later. Christmas is about the birth of Christ, yes. It's the reason for the Holiday, and what we celebrate. Without him there'd be no holiday anyway. (I know if I didn't mention that there would be at least 2 ladies telling me so in comments
) but also, concerning how people act towards one another, it's about giving of yourself; your time, attention, and help to others. giving lovingly, compassionately, and willingly without a second thought to how the person you're helping could return the favor. because once again, it's not about YOU.
What makes us get up out of bed every day, and go to work, or school in my case?
What is our motivation in the activities we are involved in, and why do we enjoy them, or if we don't, why do we do them?
All around I see people doing great deeds for others, especially around Christmas time. it is a great thing to help those in need, but sometimes i think i see a wolf in sheep's clothing. someone who's out helping others, with wrong intentions. they want to be recognized for their actions, and want people to see what a wonderful person they are, while they can whine and complain and be the martyr when it's all over. "I was here until 10:30 on Christmas Eve helping the orphans get presents and I didn't even get home until 11:30 and didn't get to spend any time with my family that night. then i had to get up at 5AM to finish wrapping and then........" If you're just going to complain about helping those less fortunate, why do it? Spare us the big long speech about how much time and effort you gave up to help them, because, SUPRISE! it's not about you. it should be about showing those other people the love of Christ. it's about the ones you're helping. not you. No one is forcing you to help. no one makes you go all out for various activities and such. you put into it what you will. people might not want your help if you aren't helping out of the good of your heart. if you're just doing it so others can see what a great person you are, be careful because other people might notice that. you should always make sure your motives are pure when you commit to do anything. for yourself, so you don't get wrapped into a big long commitment to do something you never intended to do in the first place, and for others, so they can have someone take care of them who really WANTS to do it, and who won't complain about it later. Christmas is about the birth of Christ, yes. It's the reason for the Holiday, and what we celebrate. Without him there'd be no holiday anyway. (I know if I didn't mention that there would be at least 2 ladies telling me so in comments
) but also, concerning how people act towards one another, it's about giving of yourself; your time, attention, and help to others. giving lovingly, compassionately, and willingly without a second thought to how the person you're helping could return the favor. because once again, it's not about YOU.
I, too, tire easily of the "martyr" syndrome. Jesus said, "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matt. 6:3-4). I know he was talking about financial giving in the passage, but I can't help but wonder if the same principle couldn't be applied to our "service". God knows our heart... He sees everything we give to Him (including money, efforts, and time). Do we really need to brag to the whole world about how much we're doing for Him? He knows, and we only need to hear "well done" from an audience of One.