Kay’s glimpse into the obvious: Jesus’ motives were never mixed. He never did anything for personal gain, only serving others for their gain.
Mark 10:45 NIV For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
As obvious as this seems, a recent application brought into focus how minimal my understanding really was, giving you another opportunity to learn from my mistakes, rather than your own.
As I tried to apply a marketing suggestion made at the recent writers’ conference, something inside was unsettled. I would be doing something different from the norm for me, but I knew that wasn’t the issue. Something about it just wasn’t right, or was something about me wrong?
The recommendation was to get involved with organizations that are pertinent to the subject of your book, these being places that would help its sales. (Potential publishers really like the idea of books selling, for some reason. 🙂 ) During class, I began to think of places that fit this need for me, and included them on one of the many lists I made while there.
Only as I sat still with the Lord, praying about how to get involved with a particular group, did I see the problem. It was I. This wasn’t about getting involved because the Lord directed me to, or even because I had a burning desire to help. I was considering this time-consuming activity only as a means to an end – to make contacts for publishing my as-yet unwritten book. Yuk! Yuk! And, yuk again! My motive was wrong, no matter how many would have been served.
When the Lord revealed to me the simple and obvious statements shared at the beginning of this post, the discomfort left and the pressure was eliminated – immediately. Daddy didn’t tell me to do this now. If He does later, my focus will be to serve for others’ gain – just like Jesus – trusting Him to take care of all my needs.
I think I need to apply this to everything else I do, as well. Will you join me?
To Make Christ Known 
Hi Kay, recently I was shocked to find myself dealing w/the same issue. Shocked because I was foolish enough to think I was beyond wrong motives. After all, I’m a missionary, so surely my motives are all pure,right? Nope, not exactly. I found myself crying out to my Father to cleanse me of self & let nothing remain but His purposes & motives. I’m still in the healing/cleansing process (this may take time because God is revealing my hidden agendas.) Thanks for sharing. Excellent both in content & timing. Blessings, Ed
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I don’t doubt He’s working on you in this. It’s just that it has certainly never been evident to me in being around you. Apparently, it’s one of the hidden things that Daddy wants to clear up before it becomes evident to all. Thanks for being transparent, my wonderful missionary brother!
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