What we do often is not as important as why we do it. Good things not done in faith are really bad things that don’t please God at all (Romans 14:23; Hebrews 11:6). Therefore, it is crucial for Christian to ask themselves, “Why do I do what I do?”

Why do I read the Bible?

Why do I go to church?

Why do I pray?

Why do I give to charity?

Getting an honest answer to these questions can reveal something very significant about you; namely, who you worship. Bryan Chapell, in his book on preaching, explains that God’s grace…

Is the most nourishing source for our service (Romans 12:1). If we serve God primarily because we believe He will love us less if we do not, punish us more if we do less, or withhold blessing until we are sufficiently holy, then we are not obeying God for His glory but are pursuing our own self-interests. In such cases, the chief goal of our obedience is personal promotion or personal protection rather than the glory of God.”

The motivations that spring from full apprehension of God’s grace do not change the rules but do change the reasons for our obedience. Grace encourages and enables us to serve God out of love for Him and desire for His glory. Grace makes true obedience possible because a thankful response to unearned merit is motivated more by love for God than by love for self.

Guilt drives us to the cross, but grace must lead us from there or we cannot serve God…(Taken from Christ-Centered Preaching, p. 219-220).

So ask yourself, are you more motivated by guilt or grace? Is your obedience born more from duty or delight? Is what you do fueled by what God has already done for you or by what you need to do for God? Your answers should help you see who you have been serving: yourself or God? However, whatever your answer, will you hear Jesus call to you today, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Let His rest fuel your work.