Session 5

Why your motivation matters

From 2 Chronicles: A 28-Day Devotional

Have you asked yourself, “Why do I go to church?” Maybe all our friends are doing it, or that cute boy or girl is there. Perhaps, there are people at church we want to do business with.

Sometimes, we do the right thing for the wrong reasons. And sometimes, we ignore godly advice and do the wrong thing for our own gain. King Amaziah was guilty of both.

Amaziah had a lot going for him. He was young, he was a king, and he did what was right in the eyes of God. Amaziah followed the advice of a godly prophet before making a series of military decisions, and it paid off. Though the plans didn’t make sense on paper, Amaziah trusted the Lord’s direction. As a result, the plans were successful and Amaziah’s troops were victorious.

However, Amaziah’s personal agenda didn’t always line up with God’s. Even though he was well aware of the consequences, Amaziah chose to worship the pagan idols of his enemies. The prophet returned to warn Amaziah of his foolishness, but Amaziah refused his guidance. The rejection of God’s plan ultimately destroyed Amaziah and the people under his leadership.

God has a plan for our lives, and He places other believers around us to help direct us. But the goal isn’t just to make the right choices. Often, doing the right thing for the wrong reason is just as damaging in the long run as doing the wrong thing in the first place.

God’s plan is always better than ours. Only when we submit to God will we experience the lasting satisfaction that comes from doing the right things for the right reasons.

Reflect:

• In what area of your life do you have a tendency to compromise to please your own agenda rather than pleasing God?
• What’s one thing holding you back from submitting to God?
• Where has God placed wise counsel in your life to direct you?