X.Y.M.

X.Y.M.

Three letters that have been on my mind lately.
Examine Your Motives.

Because sometimes even the good things we do aren’t as pure as we think.

We give.
But it’s easy to get offended if someone doesn’t notice.
We serve.
But if people don’t compliment or thank us, we can feel slighted.
We pray.
But secretly want things to go our own way.

I’ve done it.

Over thirty years ago, I helped produce a musical at a small church.
I poured months of energy into it.
Late nights, rehearsals, planning, details.
The two-night event finally came.
It went beautifully. High quality.
Great turnout, great spirit, great response.

But afterward, I found myself a little bothered.
No one said much about my sacrifice.
No big thank-yous.
Little recognition of the time spent.

It wasn’t that I needed applause.
It was the realization that deep down, I wanted it.
And that revealed something wayward in me.
That moment also allowed God to teach me something.

I learned to kill my own desire for credit.
Because that’s when my sacrifice becomes something God can actually use.

The heart is complicated.
It can disguise selfishness as service,
ambition as a calling,
and pride as passion.

That’s why I’ve learned to search my heart.
To examine my motives.
Why am I doing this?
Who gets the credit?

Because God doesn’t just look at hands.
He looks at hearts.

It’s not only important what you do.
It’s also important to know why you do it.
And when the motive is right,
even the smallest act can carry eternal weight.

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