A Gathering at the Well

Today at The Well we are spending some time examining the motives that lie behind the things we do. Laurie has asked some tough, convicting questions. Her main question to us is "what is the real underlying motive for all of the good stuff that you do?"

Hummmm. Tough question, huh? I'm sure we could all sugarcoat our answers and make them sound really "spiritual". But, let's not do that; let's peer down deep into the depths of our hearts; let's put our heart's right next to the heart of God and see if we are truly reflecting His character.

"3) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5) Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7) Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9) Blessed are the peacemakers, or they will be called sons of God. 10) Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11) Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12) Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Matthew 5:3-12, NIV

Jesus had a purpose for leading His disciples up the mountain that day. After teaching, preaching, and healing those in Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan I think it's fair to say the disciples may have been thinking, "We've signed up for a pretty good gig. Look at all these people following us. This is amazing. Their gonna write books about us." Jesus knowing that the men He had chosen didn't quite get it yet, led them up the mountain for a Heart Reconstruction 101. Jesus wanted these fishers of men to see and hear and know His heart.

The heart of Jesus Christ was truly humble, it was broken over the sins of the world; His heart was self-controlled; Jesus desired to please the heart of God through living a life of obedience to His Father; He was and is merciful, pure, and holy; He was and is the author of and giver of a peace that passes all understanding; Christ was persecuted because of the stand that He took; all kinds nasty, hateful things were said about Him. When all was said and done, Christ knew why He did what He did- it wasn't to gain the accolades of men, but to please His Father in heaven.

There have been occasions where I have done things, said things, and acted certain ways in order to be recognized or gain someone elses approval. God always seem to quickly knock me to my knees when this happens. He reminds me that I am nothing a part from Him; everything I am and everything I have is all because of Him and graciousness upon my life.

When those times of selfishness and vain conceit begin to rear their ugly heads I claim Galatians 1:10.

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please
men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Galatians 1:10, NIV

My purpose, goal, aim in life is not to gain the approval of men or women, but to live a life that is pleasing and glorifying to my Savior. I want to reflect the heart of Jesus in all that I do and say.