Church bulletin:
I was recently struck by something Carl Trueman related from a discussion with a friend. The friend made this observation about young men training for the ministry, “their desire is not to teach but to be teachers.” I guess he wasn’t saying this of every wannabe minister, but certainly he saw it many. It is a telling criticism based upon 1 Tim 1:5-7, “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, (6) from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, (7) desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.”
Trueman’s friend picked up on v7 – “desiring to be teachers.” People are attracted to positions and titles (teachers); they like the idea of an audience and authority but not necessarily the idea of humbly and quietly serving God for His glory. In other words, the motivation to teach is wrong. In 1 Tim 3:1 Paul says, “this is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.” If someone desires a particular position, it must be because they desire the work – not the position itself. The position only exists in relation to the work. What does it mean to do the work of the ministry – any ministry? It is to selflessly serve the Lord according to gifting and opportunity. It is not about personal gain whatever form that takes.
In the Christian life motivation is crucial. God is not only concerned with what we do, but why we do it. People can attend church services, lead meetings, help others, contribute tithes and offerings, live moral lives, discipline their children, all very important things but the motivation in each one can be wrong. Wrong motives may include the following – to make ourselves acceptable to God, to make ourselves acceptable to people, to be acknowledged and praised, to climb the ladder, to curry favour, to put others down, to get our own way, to push an agenda. The list is endless, but self is always in view.
Motivation is addressed many times over in the Bible – Christ criticised the charity of Jewish leaders because they sought to draw attention to themselves (Matt 6:1-6). In like manner He criticised their prayers (Matt 6:5). James also speaks of wrong motivation in prayer (James 4:3). Paul identified men preaching for selfish reasons (Phil 1:15-17). He was content that at least the Word was being preached but was critical of the men themselves (Phil 2). He taught the Corinthians to give financially with a right heart (2 Cor 9:7) – this principle applies to all forms of giving. He draws attention to the motivation with which we speak truth (Eph 4:15). If we are not driven by love, our words are like clanging symbols before God (1 Cor 13:1).
Our motivation in anything will never be completely pure – we are fallen creatures. But when we are sincerely motivated by love for God and His glory, love for the truth and people, we are not looking to be seen and heard. Our attitude will be that of John the Baptist “He must increase, but I must decrease.” A teachable, humble and peaceable spirit will be evident. Concern for the greater good will be evident. Willingness to put others first will be evident. Joy in the contribution of fellow members will be evident.
Let us be concerned with our motives because God is concerned with our motives. Right motives stem from a right heart and the Christian faith is a religion of the heart. It is not sinful to desire and enjoy ministry, it is sinful to be driven by self-interest. Ministry is not just a matter of what we do, but why we do it.