It feels good to know you are appreciated. Just to be aware that someone values the things you do, or don't do in some cases, is often enough motivation to elicit positive behavior. The problem arises when the feeling is the only motivation. Then you are not adding value to someone else's life, you are stoking your own fires.
In the movie The Blind Side Leanne, played by Sandra Bullock, poses the question, "Am I a good person?" She was questioning her motives for nurturing Michael Oher from an alone young teen to a high school graduate attempting to get into college on an athletic scholarship. Her question did not surface until a crisis occurred which caused her to look critically at her circumstance.
Introspection is a good thing. The Apostle Paul urges the Corinthians to examine themselves. The psalmist writes, "Exam me, O Lord, and test me; try my mind and my heart" (Psalm 26:2). If we examine our heart and allow the Lord to lead in that examination, we will be operating with the correct motives.
To complicate matters, Satan also wants you to examine yourself in an attempt to demoralize you and keep you from performing anything good. So how does one know if the actions taken are motivated by positive or negative senses? The answer is simple yet profound, "Ask the Lord." He will move within your spirit to convict you of good or ill. Don't try and fool yourself or convince yourself one way or the other. Just listen for that small still voice. He will lead you in the right way.
In the movie The Blind Side Leanne, played by Sandra Bullock, poses the question, "Am I a good person?" She was questioning her motives for nurturing Michael Oher from an alone young teen to a high school graduate attempting to get into college on an athletic scholarship. Her question did not surface until a crisis occurred which caused her to look critically at her circumstance.
Introspection is a good thing. The Apostle Paul urges the Corinthians to examine themselves. The psalmist writes, "Exam me, O Lord, and test me; try my mind and my heart" (Psalm 26:2). If we examine our heart and allow the Lord to lead in that examination, we will be operating with the correct motives.
To complicate matters, Satan also wants you to examine yourself in an attempt to demoralize you and keep you from performing anything good. So how does one know if the actions taken are motivated by positive or negative senses? The answer is simple yet profound, "Ask the Lord." He will move within your spirit to convict you of good or ill. Don't try and fool yourself or convince yourself one way or the other. Just listen for that small still voice. He will lead you in the right way.
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