Motives That MatterSample

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builder labors in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for He grants sleep to those He loves. Psalm 127:1-2 New International Version

My life was a mess. I was drowning in a sea of stress, busyness, and burnout—all in the name of the Lord. I was doing good work and helping people, but I did so at the expense of my own health and well-being. It was my cross to bear, I thought. It was all part of being a Christian.

One of the toughest battles for me has been finding balance amidst serving. Scriptures instruct us to maintain good works (Titus 3:8, 14) and be doers of the Word (James 1:22). The Book of James emphasizes the fact that faith in God must be accomplished by good works. The verse about faith without works being dead can become a stronghold for recovering perfectionists like me who often feel as if what we do is never enough. It can create an illusion of needing to do more. That is why I was serving on the Praise and Worship team, became a Stephen’s Minister, and was a representative for Women at Risk, International—all the while working full-time and being a wife, mother, and grandma.

The Bible warns us of the dangers of being unbalanced (1 Peter 5:8). When we are exhausted, weak, and unsteady, we become prey to Satan. He knows that he cannot keep us from doing good works, so instead he tempts us to enter the extreme—to make us too busy and stressed in the cause of Christ that we lose our focus.

The psalmist in today’s Scripture highlights that it is senseless for us to work for something without alignment with the will of God. Unless we keep our eyes on Him and maintain pure motives, our efforts will be in vain, creating the catalyst for burnout. Below are some questions we can ask ourselves to uncover our motives behind good works. As the answers to these questions are revealed, ask God to guide future decisions on whether to continue or cease the act.

• Am I seeking recognition, validation, or acceptance?
• Do I feel a sense of fear, guilt, pressure, or obligation?
• Am I utilizing my gifts and talents wisely?
• Does the act align with God’s will?

As we embark on the good works God has prepared for us, let us remember that, in our pursuit of righteousness and balance, we can find the strength to serve and the guidance to live a purposeful and harmonious life.

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