Hello PT!

There have been numerous times when I have seen married couples look like each other, most times, you find couples that have been together for quite a long time, look like siblings. There are those who are just getting married and they already look-alike, and I’m like- ‘Can someone explain how that happens?’ Like really, please explain in the comments section. I want to know why and if possible, the theory behind such a mystery. Thank you!

But you see, there is this mystery that we [christians] come to terms with, as we journey with the Lord….‘And we are transfigured much like Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.’ 2 Corinthians 3:18.

At first, plain-flesh-sight, I just feel this is just plain exaggeration. It is just a standard that has been set for man to strive to, to be better, but cannot necessarily be attained. C’est faux! This is false! The words in the bible are not hypothetical theories that have been laid down to be experimented. The Word of God is life, so as it’s been said that as we truly walk with the Holy Spirit, we are to become like God- it is possible. Never forget that!

Need I continue by saying that, as we grow in the Lord, we get more sensitive to the unseen than the seen. One thing that becomes important to us is ‘why’-motives. We do not get to do things as we please just because we feel we can. As the Holy Spirit works in us, he checks our motives. He is our helper. We need to realise that God is more concerned about the ‘why’ than the deed. And if we say that we are christians, we should be very much concerned about the ‘why’ of our deeds. I will be real with certain questions that have been placed in my heart, when I check my motive, with the help of the Holy Spirit…

• Why do you read your bible? Is it because you want to be able to have a response to challenge someone who tells you that a lifestyle, you do not agree with, is good? Is it because you are a Christian blogger, and you have to read the bible to be able to put up a post?………
• Why do you give? You want to be known as that cheerful giver, who gives generously? You want to give so that you can get something bigger back?…..
• Why do you go for that mid-week service? To see that brother/sister, that your heart has been crushing on, and of course, listen to Word of God? To be seen as that spiritual brother/sister who does not go to church only on Sundays?…..
• Why are you obedient to your boss at work? Because you definitely don’t want to lose your job? Because you need that promotion?……
  

  Source- Google!

The ‘motive check’ questions are definitely inexhaustive. And very necessary. A daily necessity, in all that we do. It will be quite sad if we are driven by motives that are not sourced from God, because that will mean getting earthly rewards not the eternal rewards. 

So I got into my thinking zone and asked myself, ‘If some of the above answers do not match up to God’s expectation from us, then what does?’

Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed the homeless-cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything-encores to the end of time. Oh, yes! 1 Peter 4:7-11

What ever you do, and in all that you do, the motive should be for God to seen and experienced. In the little and the big.

I have to add that, our motives changing is not a day’s job. It’s a process, a journey. Not at Bro. A’s pace or that of Sis. B’s. But as we strive daily to become like Christ, there is a change, a renewal of our thinking and desires.

You may have read this post and may feel when it comes to the motive checks, you do not meet up. Don’t beat yourself down. God is right where you are to empower you. I cannot even say that I have arrived, I have to say that I die daily. I am not the standard, neither is any man.

Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding. When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure- ‘playactors’ I call them- treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it- quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out. Matthew 6:1-4

So, tell me [us], why are you a christian?

P.S Hope you are still on track with the 60 day praise challenge …..

All Bible passage are of the Message Version except where it is stated otherwise.

Have a fabulous week ahead!

For questions/suggestions: preciousthoughts2013@gmail.com

Princess Okechukwu!