What’s My Motivation?
Many times when we read scripture we read the same stories over and over. We begin to know the stories and to skim over them instead of taking the time to read them thoroughly. This week we come to a familiar story in Acts 8, that of Simon the Sorcerer.
Many would argue that Simon was a bad man who was only interested in power. While he definitely was motivated by power, nothing within the scriptures gives any indication that his conversion was anything but sincere. In Acts 8:12 we see that the people put their trust in Philip’s teaching. The root word in the Greek which is translated as “believed” is πιστεύω. We see this same root word in Acts 8:13 when describing Simon’s belief. As such, we must assume that his actions were not those of a thieving and conniving man scheming against Philip and the apostles. Instead, this is a story of an infant believer that is facing an inward struggle. Simon was motivated by power. However, he let that motivation come between he and God.
Each of us is motivated by something whether it be money, popularity, knowledge, etc. It’s a part of what makes us who we are. Our motivations are not bad. The key is understanding our motivations and not allowing them to control us and come between us and God. But how do we keep from being controlled by our motivations?
Peter gives Simon the answer in Acts 8:21, “…because your heart is not right before God.” As we continue to draw near to God, through prayer and spending time with him, we begin to know and understand the heart of God. As we draw closer to him, we become more like him in every way, including in our motivations. It is through a relationship with God that he will change us from the inside, changing our motives to his motives, to love and to serve.
This week, I encourage you to look at yourself and see if your own motivations are keeping your heart from being right with God. Whether that motivation is money, popularity, or whatever it is, only a true relationship with God will keep us from making the same mistake as Simon.
I’ve heard it said that the famed Chuck Swindoll has a plaque on his desk, in a place where he can see it every day, and on that plaque are a few simple words, “Chuck, check your motives.” So, I ask, what would your day look like tomorrow if, throughout the day, you checked your motives against God’s motives?