Ministry Motives - December 10

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:4-5

But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.

Reflect

What can we learn from Paul and his coworkers about ethical missions ministries?

Have you ever been buttered up by someone? Kids are especially good at this, aren’t they? I can usually tell when my kids are being sincere versus when they just want something. But kids aren’t the only ones who excel at flattery with ulterior motives. Sometimes it’s easy to spot, like when a salesman lays it on thick in order to land a sale. But other times, it can be sneaky and difficult to discern if a person is being genuine or greedy.

In today’s verses, Paul continued to defend his ministry against several accusations from his critics. Persecution and prison didn’t dissuade him, Timothy, or Silas from sharing the Gospel (Acts 16 and 17) so, in order to undermine their message, their accusers claimed that their message was false, attacked their personal integrity, and basically called them liars.

Paul refuted these claims and maintained that their motives and their methods were pure. He had already appealed to the Thessalonian believers’ knowledge of their conduct and character (1 Thessalonians 1:5). He did this again today when he denied using flattery in order to receive personal gain.

In the ancient world, there were many religious charlatans, swindlers, and quacks ready to deceive people, take their money, and run. There are still con-men and religious frauds trying to trick people today. But the believers in Thessalonica knew full well that Paul and his associates weren’t crooked flatterers. They didn’t come for money. They didn’t come for the empty praise of men. They came to preach the Good News from God. They were ambassadors of God’s truth. They were sincere. They were the real deal.

But the believers in Thessalonica weren’t the only witnesses that Paul called upon to consider their character and conduct. He appealed to God Himself. He wrote that it was God who tested  their hearts, approved them for ministry, and entrusted them with the Gospel. Therefore, it was God, not man, that Paul, Silas, and Timothy were seeking to please. Ultimately, God was their witness. After all, He is the only One who truly knows what is inside people’s hearts and minds.

So, what does this mean for us today? Well, I think it means that we should take time to evaluate our motives for ministry. Why do we preach God’s Word? What are we hoping to accomplish? Do we have ulterior motives or do we truly care about people who are far from God? Are we ambassadors of God’s truth or are we coming to people under false pretenses? Remember, it is God who tests our hearts. Ultimately, God is witness.

Respond

Lord, I want to be an ambassador of Your truth who speaks to please You, not man. I want to share Your Gospel with pure motives and a sincere heart because I care about people who do not know You. Search me and try me. See if there are any wicked or impure motives in my heart and lead me in your righteousness. (Psalm 139:23-24).

Reveal

Sharing the Gospel with others is not optional, it is our Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Ask God to give you a pure heart for ministry and mission.