What is our Motive?

One Year Bible Readings: Isaiah 12:1–14:32 · 2 Corinthians 13:1–14 · Psalm 57:1–11 · Proverbs 23:9–11

As I read today, one line grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go. Paul was speaking to the Corinthians about correction—urging them to receive it with open hearts so he wouldn’t need to be harsh when he came. Then he writes,

“Do the right thing before we come—even if that makes it look like we have failed to demonstrate our authority. For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature.”
—2 Corinthians 13:7–9 (NLT)

Paul’s motive wasn’t his reputation. He was willing to appear weak—even like he had failed—if it meant others were built up, strengthened, and brought to maturity in Christ.

This reminded me of something the Holy Spirit whispered to me once:
“I not only have a plan for you, but many others, and I need you to do this for Me so they can find Me. If that’s all that happens, will that be enough for you? Will you find reward in the blessing and building up of others? Or will you be hard and jealous?”

What is our motive? Is it truly to serve and bless others? Or do we secretly crave acknowledgment, wanting to look important, even if it comes at another’s expense?

Jonah is the perfect contrast. God called him to Nineveh—the Assyrian capital, home of Israel’s enemies. Jonah despised them and feared they might repent and receive God’s mercy, which he did not want them to have. After trying to run away, nearly drowning, and spending three days in the belly of a great fish (Jonah 1:17–2:10), Jonah finally obeyed. His preaching sparked one of the greatest revivals in history: “The people of Nineveh believed God’s message… from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow” (Jonah 3:5, NLT).

Extraordinary! A whole city saved! Yet Jonah wasn’t pleased. “This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the Lord about it: ‘Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? … I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.’” (Jonah 4:1–2, NLT).

“Jonah’s reaction shows he did not want mercy for Ninevah (Jonah 4:1–2). Whether he wanted a reputation for being a prophet who called down judgment or just didn’t love these enemies, we can’t say for sure. What we do see, however, is a prophet grieved by God’s compassion, even after a city-wide repentance! He did not feel any reward in the blessing and building up of others. He did not find joy in their redemption, so much so that this incredible revival felt like a loss to him.”

So we must ask: What if all the gifts, talents, and blessings God gave you were meant to build up others, even if you were left unseen, unacknowledged, or even viewed as a failure? Would the blessing and building up of others be enough for you?

Let us not be like Jonah, sulking because God’s mercy extended further than our preferences. But let us be like Paul—rejoicing when others grow strong, even if it makes us seem weak. I pray our greatest reward is not in recognition but in helping others “become mature” in the Lord (2 Corinthians 13:9, NLT).

Action (5 Minutes) — Heart Check

1. Ask the Lord: “Where in my heart have I been like Johan?”
2. Write down what God reveals
3. Ask the Lord: “What do you want me to know about that?”
4. Write down what God reveals
5. Ask the Lord: “What do you want me to do?”
6. Write down what God reveals…then do it!

Short Prayer

Father, forgive me when I care more about being seen than serving. Purify my motives so that my joy is in building others up, not in being lifted up myself. Teach me to rejoice in the success and maturity of others, even if I seem weak or unnoticed. Let my reward be You, Lord, and in knowing I obeyed You and helped others find You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 💎

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© 2025 Gems of Knowledge. Scripture quotations from the NLT © Tyndale House Foundation.