INTRODUCTION

It does not take long to learn that the actions of natural men are guided by self-serving motives. Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit because of the perceived benefits they would receive (Genesis 3:6And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
See All...). It was likewise a self-serving motive that drove Cain to kill his brother Abel (Genesis 4:3-8 [3] And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. [4] And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: [5] But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. [6] And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? [7] If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. [8] And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
See All...; 1 John 3:11-13 [11] For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. [12] Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. [13] Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
See All...). Even when God meted out Cain’s judgment, Cain selfishly said, "My punishment is greater than I can bear" (Genesis 4:13And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.
See All...). This is all the world knows: self-preservation and self-promotion. This puts the world at the polar opposite of God who gave His Son so that His enemies (Romans 5:10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
See All...) could have eternal life.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Judas became angry when Mary anointed Jesus with costly ointment. His motive for anger was supposedly that he cared for the poor, but the Bible tells us differently (John 12:1-6 [1] Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. [2] There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. [3] Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. [4] Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, [5] Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? [6] This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
  See All...). Absalom had a deceitful motive for being friendly to the people of his father's kingdom (2 Samuel 15:1-6 [1] And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. [2] And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. [3] And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. [4] Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! [5] And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. [6] And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
  See All..., 10).
• What are some evil deeds found within the Bible? What are the motives behind those actions? What foundational premise exists in every one of these incidents?
• Have you trusted Christ as Saviour? Do you ever find that your motives for serving Him actually match up with the world’s motives for doing wrong?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you consider the nature of your motives.
• Thank the Lord for the pure motives behind His works.

HYMN

At Calvary

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