Check your motives

Paul was dragged before countless government officials who were baffled by his controversial message about Jesus. In Acts 24 he's been brought to defend himself before a Roman governor, and Paul's main argument is: 'I'm just trying to do well by God and you!' Is Paul pleading innocence to escape punishment? No. The rest of the New Testament shows he was ready for God to send him to jail if that was his plan. So he's not saying, 'I'm a good boy, let go of my ear, officer.' He's saying, 'Everything I'm saying about Jesus and his resurrection is because I want to do the best I can for God and you.'

And suddenly all the controversy around Paul can't be brushed off as personal motive. He was serious about Jesus, and really meant it for the best of others. Paul's honesty and clear conscience meant that the Roman governors could take the Gospel more credibly.

What about us? Are our motives for sharing Jesus with people coming from a good place? If we look at our motives, we could find some upsetting stuff there: wanting others to be wrong, wanting to score points with God, wanting to claim 'Top Christian' status. Paul could honestly say that he evangelised because he loved God and loved people. Can we?



So what now? Check your motives at the door. Write a list of friends you're praying for to come to know Jesus. Next to each friend, write why you think the Gospel is good news for them.





— SCRIPTURE —

'I try my best to have a clear conscience.' Acts 24:16 CEV
— SOULFOOD —

Ezra 1-2, Matt 27:57-66, Ps 1, Pro 19: 9-11