Slide 1 The Reasons Matter The Reasons Matter

Slide #1 The Reasons Matter

The Reasons Matter They always have. Obviously, we can’t always judge another’s motives, 1 Sam. 16: 7 But such doesn’t, contrary to popular belief/doctrine, eliminate the obligation altogether, Lev. 19: 15; John 7: 24 Or its abuses, John 8: 15; Jas. 2: 1 -4 However… Slide #2

The Reasons Matter Inspiration (in the form of divine commentary), evidence, and obvious implications can reveal and/or confirm motives: • Poor Widow and the Rich, Mk. 12: 41 -44 • Pharisees’ righteousness, Matt. 6: 1 -2, 5, 16 • Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5: 1 -10 • Church at Ephesus, Rev. 2: 1 -7 Slide #3

The Reasons Matter Our reasons or motives to act or not act also matter. Why we do what we do makes a difference. So… • Do we just give generously, or sacrificially? • Do we worship to be seen as righteous or in Spirit and Truth? • Are our good deeds a hypocritical covering for selfish motives? • Do we do the right things for the right reasons? Slide #4

The Reasons Matter These are “difficult” considerations… for me as much as anyone else! It is not my intention to impugn others’ motives- especially without the divine commentary of inspiration, direct evidence, or obvious implications. My sole purpose is to help each of us (certainly including me!) clearly “see” our reflections in the mirror of God’s word, Jas. 1: 22 -27, So that we’re not only doing the right things, we’re doing them for the right reasons! Prov. 27: 19 Slide #5