WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVE?

In the early days of ministry when I had my first opportunity to sit with my spiritual father and have a conversation, I made a promise- I would not miss the monthly meeting where he teaches and imparts ministers.

I kept to it for a while but I began to give excuses. The reason was simple- my motive as a young minister was terrible. I wanted to relate with him because of his class and clout! Who knows whether some opportunities can also come.

When all that was not coming, it did not take long for excuses of bad road, busy schedules and others began to look legitimate. I dropped off for about eight months before I finally repented and got a grip on myself.

Today, I don’t just make it to the meeting; I do not go alone. It is a permanent part of my schedule. If he makes sacrifices to teach me, I cannot do less to learn whether he sees me or not does not matter any more.

Beloved, one of the things that you must clarify early in relating with people is your motive. If your motive is poor, the relationship will also be poor. If your motive is authentic, the relationship will be authentic.

Paul said something profound in relating with the Thessalonians. He said to them:

“Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money!” 1 Thessalonians 2:5 NLT

Listen! Following is not by mouth. “He is my spiritual father”, “He is my pastor” or “He is my mentor and teacher” is not just lip service. If you cannot pay the price, you will gain nothing. One or two lessons might drop along the way but you can never carry the life that only the right posture can transfer.

If you are following so you can use them to improve your profile- terrible motive. If you are following so you can have them preach for you on your meetings, you are selfish. If you are following so they can give you platform and visibility, you have gotten it all wrong. All those things are only byproduct of the right heart.

You can never be a partaker of a man and his ministry when your heart is not right. That was what Peter told Simon the Sorcerer.

“You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God.”Acts of the Apostles 8:21 NLT

Work first on your heart.
Kill the wrong motives.
Deal with Offence and Jealousy.
All that you seek will end up seeking you.