Words by Joy

What’s My Motive

I put my words into books to encourage others as they read.  I consider my efforts a ministry as I pray over them and give them away.  But my fourth book is different.  Instead of just collections of short stories, it’s a personal narrative of the cancer journey my husband and I took and how God traveled with us.  I long for others to experience the peace we had as they undergo similar journeys.  

Recently I was approached by someone in administration of my blog website who asked if I had ever considered promoting my books.  I mulled that question over.  Since I live on a fixed income, it would be wonderful to gain a secondary path to earn money.  As the days passed, my thoughts returned again and again to the possibilities of marketing my books on social media.  

I said “okay”.  

The first post appeared.  Very professional.  Good words.  I was impressed.  But some unease niggled at the back of my mind.  What happened to your goal of sharing Christ with others through your words?  Didn’t this just change the motive?  Another post.  More niggling.  

I’ve been known to argue with God.  I know.  Bad idea.  But once again, I argued.  There was nothing wrong with desiring to earn some extra money.  Right?  But what if it was at the expense of giving up my goal of ministering to other’s souls? Exactly what was my motive?  

More niggling.  

I gave the postings to God.  No more focus on money.  My motive changed.  My new page on Facebook is just another way to get the message out…God loves you.  

No more niggling.  

“Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.  Test my motives and my heart.”  Psalm 26:2 (NLT)

2 thoughts on “What’s My Motive

Comments are closed.