Catching Idle Butterflies

In need of a serious attitude adjustment

What’s my motivation? I try to do good things, but is it to show what a good person I am, because I’m trying to follow Jesus’ example, to give Him glory instead of myself, or doing a good thing simply because it’s the right thing to do?

Humans judge others by their actions, but God judges the heart. If God were to judge me right now, I don’t think He’d be very impressed. I tried to do a good thing for someone – as did others – but instead of me getting appreciation, the gratitude went to someone else. It’s quite possible my good deed wasn’t as good as I thought, or this other person was thanked for something else entirely.

But that’s not the problem. It’s my reaction that took me aback: Why was that person thanked and not me? Did I not also deserve recognition?

My reaction honestly sickened me as much as it did surprise me. I then realized my motivation was impure. I didn’t necessarily try to help someone for their sake, but for my own ego, silently thinking to myself, “See my good deed? Ain’t I a wonderful person?”

Ick.

I’m reminded of a quote: “Character means doing what’s right when no one is looking.”