For Christ, Not for Applause.
What Is Your Motivation? Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:12–17 Every day, we are motivated by something. Sometimes it is money, recognition, success, approval, comfort, or simply the desire to accomplish a goal. Even our spiritual activities can have mixed motives. We may serve because we want to be appreciated, teach because we enjoy being noticed, or help others because we want them to think well of us. But Paul challenges us to consider a deeper question: What motivates us when we do things in the name of Jesus? In 2 Corinthians 2:14, Paul writes, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.” Paul understood that his ministry was not ultimately about Paul. It was about Christ working through him. Paul had opportunities to preach in Troas, but he was troubled because Titus was not there. Even though a door for ministry had opened, Paul’s heart was unsettled. Yet instead of focusing on his...