“I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22)
There are only two types of motivating factors behind everything we do. We do it to boost our ego or because it makes a difference. Either one of those final goals will make us successful. They can motivate us to seek, do, grow, and achieve more every day. However, only one will actually make us more.
The ego-focused activities are things we enjoy, make us look good, and require little to no sacrifices. Therefore, you can be a “good” person and do “good” things without going to Heaven. Those things boost our ego and cause others to live in awe. A lot of good things have been done in this light. A lot of poor served, hungry fed, and needs have been met in ego stroking works. There are awards given out for such humanitarian efforts. None of these things check your inner goal and purpose. As long as the “good” is done, then you must be “good.”
Doing something to make a difference requires a different type of mindset. It will always require a sacrifice. At the very least, you will have to sacrifice your ego to do it. There is humility at play.
A genuine looking out for the other fellow. A desire to see them excel and succeed over your progress and gain. It is hard to be like this in a world consistently asking, “What’s in it for me?” However, being all things to all men just so they might be saved asks, “What’s in it for them?” We are to act and make a difference without considering any personal gain. We serve, teach, and aid only so that others may succeed. We count it as pure joy to see them grow. The only thing we gain from what we do is a glad heart from knowing we served God and others. We are to be sacrificial people, not superficial. What is your motivation behind what you do?
-Steve Johnson
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