Check Your Motives

Paula Veal

Central Truth

Following the rules to avoid punishment is self-centered. Following the rules to glorify the Lord is God-centered. God calls us to submit to our authorities, not just to escape consequences, but to honor Him as our ultimate authority.

5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

When I was growing up, I was always the “good Christian girl.” Oldest child, rule-follower, intelligent, quiet—I was the kid who wanted the other kids to behave so we wouldn't all get in trouble in class. Even the possibility of disappointing my teachers made me nervous. Trust me, I’ve always been far from perfect and need just as much grace as anyone else, but on the outside, I looked like the model citizen.

Here’s the problem: Subjection to my authorities came primarily from my fear of punishment and fear of what people might think of me. My motives were, and sometimes still are, misguided. God doesn't want me to submit to the law just to avoid negative consequences. First Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” When I follow the rules to avoid punishment, I’m making it about me. But when I do things to honor the Lord, that’s about Him. As always, God cares more about our hearts than anything else. God is good and allows people to be in positions of authority over us, so one way we can honor Him is to honor them.

You might be thinking, “That’s great and all, but what if my authorities start making rules that go against God’s Word?” Good question. And one God answers in His Word. After Jesus returned to heaven, His disciples were so excited about the good news of grace and forgiveness, they went around telling everyone. Their authorities were not happy about it and ordered them to stop. Acts 5:29 tells us, “Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” They respected their earthly authorities, but they knew that they were the subjects of an even higher Authority. They didn't fear punishment (which they received in the form of beatings, imprisonments, and, for many, death), but instead they chose to trust that God's way is best. May the Lord give us all the courage to respect the authorities He's placed over us while still obeying Him.

This month's memory verse

A Living Sacrifice

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

– Romans 12:1–2

1. What would you say is the primary motivation behind what you do? Are your motives self-centered or God-centered?

2. How do you view God, the ultimate authority? What verses do you know that support your view?

3. How do you view and respond to those whom God has allowed to be in positions of authority over you? What might you need to ask God to change in your heart to make your responses more God-centered?

4. If you are currently in the position of authority over others, what is the motivation behind how you lead? Are you submitting first to God as your authority before exercising authority over others?