The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. — 1 Timothy 1:5-7

In the first few verses, we learn that Paul wants Timothy to remain in Ephesus. And this young man will have to do the hard work of addressing some woke theology. But Paul knows this will help him develop some much-needed courage. But Paul also knows Timothy is ideal for dealing with this situation because Timothy is pure of heart, has a good conscience, and is sincere in his faith. This is everything Paul wants the believers in Ephesus to be, and he knows that if Timothy stays, they will see this in how Timothy lives and approaches his faith and ministry. But this would be in sharp contrast to "certain believers" in Ephesus, whose motivations are a bit public, showy, and assertive.

This can easily happen to any believer in any position of leadership. We get a little intoxicated with the power of our position or the pedestal we lead from, and gradually our motivation shifts. We leave behind motivation done from a pure heart and become attracted to the power of publicity done for our own advantage. And we have seen this happen to professionals and pastors in our time. And that's what happened in Ephesus in Paul's day.

Today, I want to encourage you to assess your motivation with me. Let's evaluate it against the plumbline Paul gives Timothy here. Love that comes from a pure heart, and a good conscience, and a sincere faith. And if there is something you are about to do today that does not line up with this, then ask this question — "What's my real motivation?" And then, I would plumb it up before you do something a bit public, showy, and assertive that will require uncomfortable public correction.

ASK THIS: What motivation do you need to address today?

DO THIS: If you are brave, share it below.

PRAY THIS: God, plumb up my motivation to your will.

PLAY THIS: It Is Well.

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