INTRODUCTION

People do what they do for a variety of reasons. Some of their motives are godly, while some are ungodly. In service to the Lord, the motive should never be strife or vainglory. The perfect example of this is none other than the Lord Jesus. Oftentimes, people said things about Him that were not true. If anybody had the right and wherewithal to correct their errors, it was the Lord Jesus. He could have won many arguments! Yet, His motive for service was not selfish or prideful in any way. He was equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation (Philippians 2:6-7 [6] Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay! [7] Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?
See All...). He knew He was right, but He allowed Himself to be defamed for the greater cause.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) God gave Moses the position of leading the children of Israel (Acts 7:25For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.
  See All...; Exodus 3:10Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.
  See All...). Miriam and Aaron wanted this position (Numbers 12:2And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.
  See All...). They would be serving out of pride. God quickly put a stop to their words of strife (Numbers 12:4-15 [4] And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. [5] And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. [6] And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. [7] My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. [8] With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? [9] And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed. [10] And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. [11] And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. [12] Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb. [13] And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. [14] And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. [15] And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.
  See All...).
• Do you ever do things "for the Lord" seeking to prove yourself to others? Do you claim to be serving Christ, while really trying to show others that you are better than they are?
• Why do you serve the Lord? Do you serve the Lord when no one else notices, or only when others are watching? What is your motive for serving?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you serve Him out of a pure motive.
• Ask the Lord to keep you from competition in His service.

HYMN

Have I Done My Best for Jesus?

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