A young somewhat cocky cowboy was riding his horse one day when he spied a hunched-over old farm hand on a mule. Deciding to have a little fun, the young cowboy drew his six-shooter and told the old man to get down off his mule. He then asked the old man “if he had ever danced” and began to empty his revolver at his feet with great laughter.
The old man slowly turned back to his mule (unamused) and put his hand into his pack and drew a shotgun, aimed it at the now bulletless young cowboy and said, “Did you ever kiss a mule?”
To which the young cowboy said with fright, “No, but I have always wanted to!”
There is nothing like a bullet for motivation. What is it, though, that provides you with the motivation to serve God day after day?
Perhaps you are motivated by the fear of punishment if you don’t. It’s a valid motive — that’s why Jesus told us about hell.
Or perhaps you are motivated by the hope of reward. Again, it’s a valid motive — that’s why Jesus told us about heaven.
But I would suggest to you that there is an even higher motive and that is to serve God out of a love and appreciation for all that He has done for us.
As a parent, that’s what I hope for my children. They may at times obey me to avoid punishment or to gain some reward I’ve promised them, but I hope that in time they come to listen to me simply because they love and respect me.
“”We love Him because He first loved us.” (I John 4:19)
Whatever your motivation, may you give your life wholly to God this day!
Have a great day!
Alan Smith
