Motive Tells A Story.

Motive often tells the story of a person’s heart. The mental, relational and most importantly, spiritual motivation behind a word or deed, really does matter.

For example, Jesus teaches past the act of murder to focus on the motivation behind murder, which is anger. (Mt. 5:21-22) Jesus teaches past adultery, to focus on the motive of adultery, which is lust. (Mt. 5:27-28)

Jesus teaches us that motive is important. But what’s more important – motive or mission?

Mission Should Always Trump Motive

Don’t believe me? Check out Mark 9:

“38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us.“

John and the other disciples had given their lives to follow Jesus. Then suddenly, someone outside of their crew starts performing miracles! What’s the deal with that?

“Who do they think they are? Who gave them the right?”

The disciples were so focused on the motive that they missed the miracle! Not to mention the Mission behind the miracle!

Thankfully, Jesus sets them straight: “…no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me.”

The Mission that Jesus Christ was bringing into the world was far more important!

The Mission Matters

What about an Early Church example? Check out Philippians 1:

“14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.“

Some of these early Believers were sharing the Gospel with improper motives. According to Paul, motives of “…envy and rivalry…selfish ambition…” But look at Paul’s response.

He didn’t care about their motives.

Their Motives Didn’t Matter!

Instead, Paul rejoices because “…whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed…” Paul rejoices because the Gospel Mission is moving forward.

And if the Mission is moving forward, the motives really aren’t that important.

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

How have you seen motives get in the way of Gospel Mission? How will the church stay mission-focused  in the future?