Motivation

“After several years away, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid my people and to offer sacrifices to God. [Acts 24.17]

In Paul's own words, we see his motivation for returning to Jerusalem. He wanted to bring financial aid to his people and offer sacrifices to God. He certainly did not go because everyone else wanted him to - he went purely of his own accord.

After all that I myself have questioned about Paul's return to Jerusalem, I kind of get it now. It seems prudent that we give full consideration to what Paul said here was his motivation - it really was pure and good.

I think because our modern day Christian culture is so averse to persecution and suffering, we fail to see Paul's reasoning for returning to Jerusalem because our own self-preservation mechanism is so highly developed. What if, instead, an "others-preservation" (others first) mechanism was more highly developed in us? How would we see Paul's return to Jerusalem then? I think, much differently!

We should all be challenged to detect our motivation in everything we do today and every day. Is it for self-preservation, or the good and preservation of others? Seriously, we need to consider this!

Father, although I didn't see it coming, You have spoken to me once again. Your message is still the same - it's still "Jesus" as seen in His selfless approach to bringing the Good News to the world You so love and desire to redeem.