Motivation

 “In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of others.” Philippians 2:3-4.

 

My devotion in the Daily Bread brought up a question I’ve asked myself over and over. When I share my spiritual experiences, what is my true motivation? Am I trying to impress them, or encouraging and inspiring them to a closer relationship with God?

While I want to believe it is the latter that motivates me, is it?

For example, my daughter-in-law shared a divinely inspired dream with me. I listened and joined in the discussion of the dream’s significance, but then mentioned how many prophetic dreams I’ve experienced. Not to validate her dream, but to brag.

Afterward, I realized what I’d done, and I asked God to forgive me. Convicted, I messaged my daughter-in-law and amended my response to her dream. Her reply confirmed how much my opinion mattered.

Huge lesson on humility I hope I don’t forget.

After that experience, I’ve started praying before sharing any of my experiences, asking God to check my motivation. If it’s not for God’s glory, I need to stay quiet.

God confirmed this at my next Bible study. Several experiences came to mind I thought about sharing. However, instead of blurting them out, I prayed, asking God if I should share or not. Immediately I felt a physical burning and a powerful compulsion to share my experience of seeing Jesus face to face. 

I was so nervous at the thought of disclosing something this intimate to a group, my hands were shaking. A very different reaction from relating any of my other stories.

Despite my doubts, the burning intensified. I gave in to the compulsion and related the experience. The moment I finished, the physical burning stopped, replaced by a deep calm and sense of peace. That had to have been from God.

To my surprise, people came up to me and thanked me for sharing. Their expressions said they weren’t just being polite. God had touched their hearts.

Thank you, Lord, for calling into question my motivations and showing me the difference between self-aggrandizement and Your will. Amen.