For most Christians the response might be, "God, of course," while the nonbeliever might say, "I am!" Another question to ask yourself is "What motivates my actions? Why do I make the decisions that I do?"
Consider the four principles of selfishness: looking good, feeling good, being right and being in control. How many times throughout our daily lives do these things affect the choices we make? To what extent are we influenced and even controlled by this philosophy?
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27 NIV Much of what I've done over the years, and who I am today, has been shaped by what the Lord shows us in this verse. Have I always stopped and thought, "Is this decision that I'm about to make one that is in line with the vision the Lord has given me?" Sadly, no. Many times I have made choices based on selfishness, on what would be best for me. Jesus makes it clear not just in red letters, but also in His actions, that we should be motivated by love...Love for God and love for others, as much as we love ourselves.
As we enter the month of February and Valentines Day draws near, whether you are at the store, school, the mall or even at church, "love" will be in the air. Ask yourself the question, "Am I motivated by love? The kind of love that thinks about others before myself? The kind of love that says it's more important to tell someone the truth about eternity and faith in Christ than it is to look cool, feel good, or stay safe from being rejected?
My challenge: Be true to the directive God has given us. Be motivated by love. Organize your priorities around God's priorities. God has made it clear through His Word what our attitude should be. Let everything you do be rooted in love. Are you living for yourself or for the glory of God through serving others in love?
Roddy has served as a summer staffer during nine of TeenServe's thirteen year history and will be back serving as a staffer this summer!
