The sermon was about developing spiritual discipline and how discipline was important in all areas of life: work, relationships, physical health, etc.
The story that stuck out to me the most: The pastor said he was friends with a preacher's daughter in middle school. He had a crush on her, but was friend zoned. As 'friends' do, they talked.
Girl: What do you struggle with?
Boy: I probably play Nintendo to much, argue with my mom to much, slow dancing...What do you struggle with?
Girl: I struggle with my motives.
Boy's thoughts: "Get a real sin! I mean come on! Come on! I mean, are you honestly telling me that what you struggle with is doing the right things for the wrong reason? I'm still struggling doing the wrong things..."
I think that nailed the typical reaction! It's funny, too.
The sermon does move on to talk about how motive really is something important to God.
Giving to the needy is the right thing to do; To give to gain status and appear pious is not the right motive.6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. (Matthew 6:1-2)
The pastor moved on to talk about how motive really is important to God, and I say to anyone. If Shane knocks over a box of cookies, because he wanted to bring me one I will be much more forgiving than if he was trying to sneak one out for himself! The cookies will still be knocked over, but at least I'll know he cared!
You cannot do enough right things (wrong or right motive) to earn your way into heaven.
I love how stories can be such great learning tools.
Speaking of discipline, I still have unfinished posts from last week.
Oops.
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