Motives Of The Heart

Motives of the Heart

As for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua 24:15

Often the question Amish young people ask themselves isn’t Will I stay Amish? but When should I join the church? Young people aren’t prodded into church membership. Parents and church leaders allow each person to choose when the time is right.

Of course, sometimes there are external motivations. Within the Amish community one can’t get married until he or she is a member of the church, so the pursuit of membership is usually directly tied to the pursuit of a spouse. It’s common for young people to join the church one weekend and send out wedding invitations in the next few weeks.

There comes a time in each of our lives when we must choose if—or when—we’re going to follow God. We may have outside motivations, such as wanting to follow our parents’ beliefs, wanting to fit in with Christian friends, or—in the case of an Amish young person—wanting to get married. But regardless of those other reasons, our first motivation should be that we desire Jesus as Lord in our lives. He—not any earthly benefits we will receive—must be our hearts’ desire.

The Bible gives us a perfect description of this: “LORD, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name” (Isaiah 26:8).

Take a moment to think back to your decision to follow God. Regardless of your initial motivation, consider how your life has changed. What impact has choosing to serve the Lord had on you and your family? Thank Him for the many ways He has guided and protected you. Find some time this week to share your story with someone else. God may use it to encourage another person to follow Jesus too!

Dear heavenly Father, choosing to follow You is the best decision I ever made. Today I rededicate myself and my family in service to You. Help me to be confident in sharing my life and my story with someone who may question his or her need for You or who may be considering the Christian life with the wrong motivations. Amen.