What's your motivation?

It's that time of year when things are starting; school, football, hunting seasons. Work schedules may not change for most of us, but family schedules might. And church things are picking up again too. Depending on your kids you may have Sunday school, confirmation, or youth group beginning soon, and adult studies are also getting back on track (Wednesday at my house at 6:30 if you're local). So as you plug these things into your schedule and make choices about what to do, what's your motivation?

"For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died." 2 Corinthians 5:14 NIV http://bible.com/111/2co.5.14.NIV

Christ died in our place and rose in victory over sin. We share in that victory BECAUSE of His love, not because of our actions. You do some things for fun and some things are required, but when it comes to church things I pray that we do them out of love and not guilt or a sense of requirement or an attempt to earn anything.

I also hope we're conveying that to our kids. Help them see that we do church because we're compelled by love, not law. Find the joy in going yourself and getting them to their things and watch how that attitude rubs off on them.

When you're sitting quietly with God this week, ask Him to remind you that He already loves you as much as possible, nothing you do will make him love you more or less. Then ask for guidance in making choices that can help you be more aware of his presence, comfort, and peace in your life.