What's Your Motive?
by Charles R. Swindoll
During my days in seminary, I formed a habit that helped me immensely throughout life. I had my artistic sister, Luci, print a simple, three-word question on a small rectangular card I placed on the wall above the desk where I spent so much of my time.
Just black letters on a white card, with a bold question mark at the end:
WHAT'S YOUR MOTIVE?
I no longer have the card, but the question is now indelibly etched on my mind. I ask it almost every day of my life. It has proven to be an essential checkpoint I now apply on a regular basis:
Why are you planning this?
What's the reason behind your doing that?
Why did you say yes (or no)?
What is the motive for writing that letter?
Why are you excited over this opportunity?
What causes you to bring up that subject?
Why did you mention his or her name?
What's your motive, Swindoll?
Searching, probing, penetrating questions.
Because the path of servanthood is so perilous, we need to cultivate a sensitive walk with God marked by obedience.
The path of servanthood is perilous; keep a sensitive, obedient walk with God. —Chuck Swindoll Tweet This
Adapted from Improving Your Serve: The Art of Unselfish Living, Copyright © 1981 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
Our Gift to You . . .
Stuff I’ve Learned That I’ll Never Forget: Sixteen Essentials from the Last Fifty Years
In appreciation of your support of Insight for Living Ministries, you can choose to receive this resource when you donate today.
After fifty years of ministry, Chuck Swindoll boils down his accumulated wisdom to sixteen essentials. This single CD covers practical truths that deal with significant relationships, personal integrity, and the daily grind, Chuck’s “stuff” provides time-tested and trustworthy landmarks by which we can maneuver life with wisdom.
Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Listen to today's broadcast of Insight for Living with Chuck Swindoll at OnePlace.com.
Visit the Bible-teaching ministry of Chuck Swindoll at www.insight.org.
