ImpostersSample

Masked Motives

What is the purpose of a mask? In recent history, it is used mostly to protect your health (and others’ health), but in the past, it was used for a different purpose. Think about it: when you read stories about superheroes, they most likely had a mask. By contrast, a thief most likely would wear a mask to rob a bank. Why did they wear a mask? To conceal their identity, and for two very different reasons!

When it comes to our faith, though, there’s something we like to put a mask on. It’s our motives. A motive is the ‘hidden agenda’, it’s the real reason why you choose to do something. Like in my story from yesterday, I was up on stage leading worship with a hidden agenda; I wasn’t really there for God, but for me.

How do you know if you are living with ‘masked motives’? I think one of the quickest ways to tell if we have masked motives, is by looking at our most recent encounters with God. When you pray, are you praying so that others see you? When you go to church, are you there to worship, or just to be with your friends? When you serve, is it to bring glory to God, or to receive praise for your good deeds? 

This is the second key element we need to watch out for: imposters of the faith have masked motives. If you’ve struggled with ‘masked motives’, it’s time for a change; let’s pray about this right now:

God, I’m sorry for all of my masked motives. Help me to turn to you in all things. Lord, just as I’ve asked for a new heart, I pray that you give me new, pure motives. Thank you for your grace that you give me every day. I pray that in all things, it will be to bring you glory, not me. In Jesus’ name, amen.