Comments on: Why Did I Say That?

By: jlujan69

jlujan69 — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:58:58 +0000

The problem is that we could become so obsessed with having the right motivations before we do the right thing that we end up doing nothing instead. In effect, we’ve become so “heavenly minded that we’re no earthly good”. Charity begins somewhere. It may be better for the Christian to “just do it” and pray for the right motivations to catch up rather than sit on his laurels, determining to do good only when he can be certain his motives are pure. Trust God to work out the kinks in our lives.

By: gr8grannyjacobs

gr8grannyjacobs — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:53:22 +0000

WLM You connected here. I see this subject as mostly about surrender. The more we are surrendered to God the more likely we are to be in His will. Praying always for His guidance in all we undertake. I am not saying I have came even near perfection in this area but I do know God is my teacher. I do seem to be a slow learner but He is so patient and kind. When my why’s get out of His will He finds a way to show me and grow me to do better.

I have thought of David when he counted the men and the result of that action.as I have read the post here on this subject. David was definitely out of God’s will and his why he did what he did was wrong. However God didn’t leave him. He showed him his error and set his feet back on the right path. God is awesome in His faithfulness.

By: kaliko88

kaliko88 — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 06:16:20 +0000

They are basic to someone who starts there. They are not basic to someone who is having to unlearn a lot of wrong habits and lessons, and who is still letting go of the chains of sin. There is some truth to the thought that you have to be able to love and trust, even love and trust yourself, in order to love and trust the Lord. It’s a long road back from the other extreme.

By: mtman

mtman — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:48:35 +0000

Thanks Mart: Once again we are on the same page but both took different routes to get there. Funny how that works like that.

By: wretch-like-me

wretch-like-me — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:47:32 +0000

I had a thought about the difference between mindful action and mindless action.

Most of us know the illustration from scripture of Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. When Jesus visited Mary chose to sit at His feet while Martha worked herself into a frazzle over the ‘fixin’s.

Sadly, I have fallen into the same trap by trying at all costs to please my spouse or family by preparing the ‘perfect’ widget only to have it sour when I explode from taking on too much stress.

Had I thoughtfully acted (after self examination), I’d have chosen to do less and enjoy more the ‘time’ I had to play with my family rather than ‘DO SOMETHING SPECIAL JUST FOR THEM’. (I confess I placed more value in sacrificing my labor rather than invest my time…)

Sometimes, God just wants us to spend time with HIM rather than be busy DOING all sorts of things in our labor of ‘love’. (oddly enough, the more time we spend with Him, the less likely we are to fall into the trap.)

Am I connecting with anyone out there?

I am not promoting slothfulness or that we should spend copious amounts of time ‘pondering our navels’…
just the opposite, I agree with an earlier comment that we should strive to develop a well-rounded approach and in all things seek balance.

By: bubbles

bubbles — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:37:47 +0000

Thank you, Mart, for all of your hard work to keep this site going. I really appreciate your thoughts and comments. I enjoy coming to this site because it causes me to think and think and think. . . :)

Like kaliko88 said, this topic has really caused me to ponder motives deeply. This has brought me to tears several times during the past few days. (and prayer too)

Mart, what was said earlier about being ‘worn down’was a comment about the draining nature of my job. The end of the school year is looming, and I’m just drained out like an empty bottle. I’m sorry if that came across as a complaint. If I wasn’t drained, I’d feel like I hadn’t don the best job I could’ve done.

It seems like many people have blogged about doing things because they want to please our Lord. Dr. Bob Jones said, “It’s always right to do right, because it is right”. I taught this to my students, but added ‘and it pleases God’.

I’m sure all of us want to please those we love. If I love someone, I strive to do things that will please them out of love. So, then, if we are doing things to please Him, doesn’t this come from a heart filled with love? When I do the laundry, clean, or fold towels, it’s a job to do, but it’s done to care for the home where loved ones live–taking care of them because they are loved.

Although, there are other motives, but just a thought about doing things without always thinking about the ‘whys’.

By: Mart De Haan

Mart De Haan — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:37:56 +0000

Mtman, I understand your point. And yes, I meant he gave himself “for us”.

kaliko88, thanks for the explanation. I agree that the interest in motives can be misused (1) if we try to judge the motives of others, (2) if we condemn ourselves or become spiritually discouraged by recognizing our self-centeredness, or (3) if we proudly think we really know or understand our own motives.

At the same time, being concerned about whether we are trying to trust the Lord, put our hope in him, or reflect his love to others seems so basic to a relationship with him.

By: kaliko88

kaliko88 — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:18:33 +0000

Sometimes, Mart, I’m not sure I understand it myself. Ideas suggest themselves during discussions and I can’t always put it into words because I’m still thinking it out. But, self-examination and motives are one of those sets of paths that is foggy and so easily lead in the wrong direction. Uriah Heep, to me, is one of the frighteningly clear examples, though imaginary, of someone who was taught a good lesson on humbleness and over a great deal of time twisted it into something utterly evil. That’s what frightens me, because it was such a gradual distortion, and whether I want to admit the possibility or not, it could even happen to me, or any of us.

That’s why I try to strive for a proper balance. I don’t want to use self-examination as an excuse or a weapon against myself. But I don’t want to always just do the right thing without understanding it. I’m still having a hard time putting this into words, but I think I am becoming more aware of some hidden flaws that can be introduced into even the most righteous thoughts and actions, and lead us slowly astray. That’s what Satan likes to do, many times, act subtly, quietly, and with slight nudges.

I dunno, this whole conversation just seems to be setting of some red flags for me, but I’m going to have to think about it more to really figure out what’s bothering me about it.

By: mtman

mtman — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:39:34 +0000

Mart: I think I agree with you in part and respectfully disagree in part. I sent a reply earlier but our internet went out so someone out there in cyber space read it.
To far to me means that if we get someone with less than lock solid faith thinking about questioning themselves it could tend to erode what faith they do have. Those who are rock solid may briefly reflect on the why, or did I do enough, but they will leave the result to to Lord and move on. Someone with insecure faith may dwell in an area that is best left to the Lord to deal with. That could tend to destroy those little faith builders that we enjoy from time to time, due to indecision.
We are all at different places in our walk with the Lord. Because we are all different we handle things differently. To put why’s in the path of someone struggling on that path might not be good.
When I do self examination it is to determine where I need to work on my walk of faith. For someone else that could land them in self doubt and whether they are adequate.
In your last paragraph you say: ” Or we give ourselves to him/or others (why?) because he first gave himself to us.
I think or at least hope you typed that hasty. He gave himself ‘for’ us, not to us.” If He gave Himself to us that would indicate we are possibly greater than He is. That is essentially what the New Age movement teaches, that we can be equal to God. I’m hopeful that was a mistake made in haste. We give ourselves to Him, not the other way around.
Am I right?

By: su

su — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:14:14 +0000

I don’t have time to look back but whoever suggested to read the RBC devotional My Utmost For His Highest, whew! Very applicable. And Our Daily Bread for today also ties into this discussion.