E-Vangel
Newsletter
August
27, 2012
Pastorgraphs: “Motives
Matter”
Would you be surprised that
researchers have found the reason you do something is as important as doing it?
Apparently, our motives are as
important as our actions. A recent study conducted at the University of
Michigan shows that WHY people volunteer (not whether they volunteer) is what
really counts. The study, published by the American Psychological Association’s
Health Psychology, found those who volunteer and give out of pure
motives, such as compassion or simply to help others, live longer than those
who do not volunteer at all, or who do so for personal benefit, such as getting
their picture in the newspaper or personal acclaim.
Even after controlling for variables
that influence mortality, such as physical health, the researchers found that
motives for volunteering still have an effect on how long and how well we live.
That is not to say volunteers should
never expect any benefit for their efforts. But now there is research to show
that “pure motives” provide the greatest benefit of all: a longer and happier
(less stressful) life.
Motives are an important component
of character. While “how we think” and “what we do” are very important, the
motives for connecting our beliefs and actions gets to the core of “who we
are”. It is a major indicator of our moral fiber.
In The Book of Wisdom, there is a
verse that says: “All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are
weighed by the LORD.” (Proverbs
16:2) NIV.
Mankind sees and judges from outward
appearances. That is why we are often surprised, disappointed or even betrayed
when the motives of one’s heart becomes public. Abraham Maslow put it this way:
“But behavior in the human being is sometimes a defense, a way of concealing
motives and thoughts, as language can be a way of hiding your thoughts and
preventing communication.”
In the Sermon on The Mount,
Jesus said 2000 years ago: “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it
with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be
honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right
hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees
what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:2-4) NIV.
Eric
Hoffer said it another way: “It is futile to judge a kind deed by its motives.
Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.”
So, what is your motive? If it is to
gain something, then you may achieve your reward. But if it is to do the right
thing, because it is right, and to do it for the right reason, at the right
time and in the right way with excellence, then the doing becomes its own
reward.
Your motives reveal your character,
and surprisingly enhance your life’s quality and span.
Bless you, one and all, Brother Bill
From the Quote Garden:
“Therefore judge nothing before the
appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is
hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each
will receive their praise from God.”
~ The Apostle Paul (1
Corinthians 4:5)
Christ United Methodist Ministry
Center
“Christ
in the Heart of San Diego”
3295
Meade Avenue - San Diego, CA 92116 - (619) 284-9205
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