The Battle of Motives and Ministry
Daily Nourishment for the Soul
Decreasing So That Christ May Increase
One of the realities of an introverted personality is that we often live inside our own heads. We do well at cultivating an inner life, but we sometimes struggle to step outside of it. Speaking personally, I have found this to be both a gift and a challenge. We weren’t made to live in isolation. God created us to be in relationship - first with him and then with others, including our family, church, and community. Beyond that, we’re called to serve, to give of ourselves lovingly, humbly, and even sacrificially for the good of others. Our service will take different forms according to God’s calling and the gifts he’s given us. The things we’re drawn to, the activities that energize us, and the ways in which we find joy in glorifying God are often clues to how he has equipped us to serve him.
For me, that has been teaching and communicating God’s truth - whether through preaching, small groups, one-on-one discipleship, or writing. In recent years, I have expanded into video and podcasting as well, seeking to share God’s Word through different mediums. Yet even as I embrace these opportunities, I find myself questioning my motives. Why am I doing this? Am I serving God or feeding my own desire for approval? A mentor once told me that no one ever has entirely pure motives, but we must still do the work to which we’re called, trusting that God will refine us along the way. This is where the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 10:31 come as both an encouragement and a guardrail: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Our work - no matter what form it takes - should ultimately be about making much of God, not ourselves.
The Peril of Seeking Great Things for Ourselves
Jeremiah 45:5 is another verse that has deeply shaped my thinking: “And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not.” This was spoken to Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe, who longed for a life of prominence and security in a time of great turmoil. God’s response was clear: Baruch was not to seek his own advancement but to trust in God’s sovereign purposes. This verse serves as a sobering reminder that ambition - when untethered from a desire to glorify God - can easily become idolatry. Psalm 115:1 reinforces this truth: “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” The question that confronts me, and perhaps you as well, is this: Am I pursuing this work out of a desire to make Christ known, or am I subtly seeking recognition for myself?
The battle for the heart’s affections isn’t new. Even Jesus’ disciples struggled with this issue. They debated among themselves about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom (Luke 22:24). Jesus’ response was radical: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). This upside-down Kingdom principle is repeated throughout Scripture: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14). John the Baptist’s words in John 3:30 encapsulate this beautifully: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” True greatness in God’s Kingdom comes not from self-promotion but from self-forgetfulness - pointing others to Christ rather than ourselves.
The Subtle Trap of Seeking Approval
In today’s world of social media and digital influence, it’s easy to become caught up in seeking validation through likes, shares, and recognition. The problem isn’t that affirmation is inherently wrong - encouragement and appreciation are good gifts - but that we can start to derive our identity from them. The danger is when we begin believing our own press, finding our worth in human approval rather than in the unshakable love of God. If we’re not anchored in Scripture - allowing it to confront, convict, and correct us - we can quickly be swept up in the current of people-pleasing.
But what’s the alternative? Jesus offers a better way. In John 12:24–25, he says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” The path to fruitfulness is the path of surrender. If our work - whether public or private, seen or unseen - is truly for the Lord, then we can rest in the knowledge that his approval is the only one that ultimately matters.
Playing to an Audience of One
Many of us wrestle with this tension from different angles. Some, like me, may struggle with questioning motives and fearing self-promotion. Others may hesitate to step out in faith, fearful of putting themselves forward. But the answer to both struggles is the same: we must remember that we serve an audience of One. “It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:24). If we’re faithful to his call, he will take care of the results.
A pastor once remarked that no one stands at the edge of the Grand Canyon to build their self-esteem. The sheer magnitude of its vastness puts things into perspective. Likewise, the more we behold the glory and greatness of God, the more we see ourselves rightly - not as the center of the story, but as joyful servants of the One who is. This is not “worm theology” that devalues our worth; rather, it’s the recognition that our highest dignity comes from being image-bearers of God, created to know him and to make him known. True flourishing is found not in self-exaltation but in humbly aligning our lives with God’s purposes.
Humble Introspection, Not Paralyzing Self-Doubt
Introspection is important, but it must not become paralyzing. If we overanalyze our motives to the point of inaction, we risk burying our talents rather than investing them for God’s glory (Matthew 25:14–30). Instead, we should bring our concerns before the Lord in prayer, asking him to refine our hearts. “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23–24).
My own solution has been to remain in God’s Word, pray through these struggles, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide me. When necessary, I repent of any selfish ambition and realign my heart with the Lord’s. The goal isn’t to abandon ministry out of fear of impure motives but to pursue it with joyful obedience, trusting that God will continually shape and sanctify me.
So, what about you? Have you wrestled with these struggles? Have you found yourself questioning your motives or hesitating to step forward in obedience? I would love to hear how you have navigated these challenges and how God has led you through them. May we all strive to live and serve for his glory alone.
Questions for Personal Reflection
Do you ever find yourself questioning your motives in ministry or work? How do you process those thoughts?
How can you ensure that your identity remains rooted in Christ rather than in the approval of others?
What steps can you take to faithfully serve God, even when you wrestle with doubts about your motives?
Walking Points
Set aside time this week to pray through your calling and motivations, asking God to purify your heart and direct your steps.
Take practical steps to serve God and others, trusting that he will guide and refine you as you walk in obedience.