pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: motive


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God Knows

Reading: 1st Thessalonians 2:1-4

1st Thessalonians 2:4b – “Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.”

Who we really are tends to rise to the surface when we are tested. It is easy to create a certain image on Facebook or TikTok or even on a television channel. We can report only what we want to report, doing so in ways that paint the picture that we want to reveal. And yet at our core we know who and what we are. God knows too. We can pretend. We can “believe” the lies that we tell ourselves. We can be different people in different settings. Deep down we know who and what we are – if we’re honest with ourselves. God always knows.

Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians shifts in chapter 2. The first chapter was all about the faithfulness of this new community of believers. In chapter 2 Paul reminds them of his visit. It was successful. The fruit of their faith is both evident and well-known. (See chapter 1.) Paul then reminds them of the courage it took to continue preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. He and Silas had been put to the test. They were persecuted and put into prison in Philippi. Released, they did not retreat. No, they moved forward, on to Thessalonica, where they preached boldly. There was no deceit or trickery. Even those in the church today can paint the picture or tell the story in ways that cater to a certain audience or soften the red letters in the Bible, making Jesus something he’s not.

Not Paul. He has been tested. He has suffered. And still he proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ. Why? The reason is found in verse 4b. Here we read, “Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” God knows why Paul preaches. God knows Paul’s heart. Paul always keeps the first thing first: Jesus. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to be real – mostly real with ourselves because then we are more likely to be real with others. You know us inside out. You wove us together in the womb. You designed us with certain purposes in mind. Examine our hearts and shape our motives so that who and what we are aligns with your plans and purposes for our lives. Give us courage and strengthen us for the day ahead. Amen.


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Audience of 1

Reading: Matthew 23: 1-12

Verse 5: “Everything they do is done for me to see”.

Yesterday we looked at the warning to do as the scribes and Pharisees teach, not as they do. There is a disconnect between what they preach to the people and how they themselves are living their lives. The middle section in our reading today begins with verse five. Here we read, “Everything they do is done for me to see”. This can be a trap we too fall into. Being human, we like recognition. When we do something “good” and no one notices, we feel hurt or let down or we can even question why we did it. Some of the time, we can also be like these religious leaders, waiting for an audience before we do our good deed, insuring publicity or recognition for our actions.

The scribes and Pharisees loved to be seen and recognized. It reinforced both their authority and their ego. They wore large phylacteries and long tassels – two symbols of their deep connection to God. Today, one may give a large donation, thinking the size of the gift will reflect the depth of their faith for others. Some will want it announced in church or published in the bulletin or will want a plaque placed on the item so that all will know of their good and generous gift. The scribes and Pharisees wanted the best seats or places at events or in worship. This prime real estate is where others will notice they are there. In a similar way, they loved to be called ‘rabbi’ – a title that was revered, respected, honored. It pumped up the ego to see all bow a bit as the people acknowledged the religious leaders. The title separated them from the rest of society. It also insulated them from those outside of their religious circles.

Today, some still like to have a title connected to their name – doctor, professor, reverend, pastor, officer… Titles convey power and authority. These titles can be used to gain admittance and to avoid consequences. It is a good thing, for example, when the pastor title gains entry to pray with a dying person during these pandemic restrictions. Yet it would be a bad thing, for example, to pull out my pastor ID card first, instead of my driver’s license, if pulled over for speeding. Titles can be abused, they can separate, they can be used to manipulate, they can be used for personal gain. Jesus is warning us against such things, to check our egos, and to be aware of our motives and intentions.

When we practice our faith, when we offer acts of kindness, may it always be for an audience of one – for the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord, when I am tempted to shine the light on me, remind me of the call to humble service. When I want others to notice or see what I’m doing, check my pride and remind me of humble service. When I’m drawn to playing the pastor card, remind me of the call to humble service. Thank you, Lord. Amen.