Motives. Mention the word and you can see people twitch.
There are those who want to question the motives of everyone. Let’s call them the Challengers. They want to call into question “the why and the wherefore” of all things and all people. They trust no one.
There are those who criticize. Let’s call them the Criticizers. I guess it wouldn’t be wrong to say they are an offshoot of the questioner. Every deal is analyzed and criticized. They see a hidden agenda behind every curtain.
There are those who never question. Let’s call them the Oblivious. Or maybe the Gullible. They tend to fall for things hook, line, and sinker. They never ask a question or wonder why. Naive even fits here.
With this week being what is called Holy Week, and today being “Good Friday” (I guess “good” depends on your perspective), one man stands out. Judas. What was his motive? There are some stated in the previous devotion. But motive rises to the top.,
David was once challenged about his motives. He went to visit his brothers and while he was there Goliath challenged the armies of Israel. They all ran. David asked why no one would fight that uncircumcised Philistine. Eliab, David’s brother, chastised him and accused him of arrogance.
I honestly believe David’s motives were pure. He went there at his father’s behest to check on his brothers and to take food to them. Nothing scandalous. But to Eliab? Whoa!! For the whole story check out 1 Samuel 17, especially verses 28-30.
How often have I jumped to conclusions and made judgments about people and their motives? I don’t like it when people question mine. Why would I think it is okay to judge another’s? Only God sees the whole picture. I must remember: I cannot judge what I do not know.
“Father, help me to lay aside my preconceived ideas and judgments and keep my thoughts to myself, especially when I have no proof. Help me to leave the judging up to You.”
Very convicting.
For me also
Good reminder Bill, not to jump to conclusions or to criticize, but also not to walk into every situation and circumstance with a blind eye. As with most things, I think balance is the key. God gave us brains and intuition to use, not to ignore. Sometimes that big question mark is a sign from God. Not that we should have preconceived ideas and judgements, but so we can be discerning. The older I get, the more I realize that sometime just having a healthy and sincere conversation with someone can help bring to light or set at ease any suspicion or question.
You are right Ryan. Balance is a must. Perceiving what could be God’s “check” is important as well. I know there are time I absolutely have to ask someone else for their thoughts.