A Jot from John,
(part #2 – conclusion)
In last week’s article we covered some ideas as to that which motivates us in the things we do in performing religious work and worship. First of all was things we do to call attention to ourselves; a second one was ambitious motives, such as James and John in their desire of position in the kingdom; and the third one was monetary motives.
Another motive condemned by the gospel is the factious motive. Paul wrote concerning certain Christians who preached “Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds.” (Phil. 1:17). The factious spirit also raised its ugly head among the Corinthian Christians. Contentions regarding favorite preachers caused them to say: “I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas and I of Christ.” (1 Cor. 1:10-17). Such a factious spirit was characterized by the apostle as spiritual immaturity filled with jealous, strife and carnality. (1 Cor. 3:1-5).
Perhaps no motive was condemned more vehemently, by Christ, than that of hypocrisy. In the most scathing denunciations ever delivered, Jesus said to the Pharisees and Scribes: “Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you saying, This people honoreth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.” (Matt. 15:1-9). In his denunciation of Pharisaism, Jesus directed seven stinging rebukes against the hypocritical motives of scribes and Pharisees in his day. (Matt. 23:1-36).
Fear and the hope of reward are legitimate spiritual motives if used properly. Christian journalism must warn people “to flee from the wrath to come.” (Matt. 3:7). No writer is true to his talent, unless he tells people that disobedient persons who die in their sins “shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might.” (2 Thess. 1:7-9). On the other hand, journalists must also present the glorious positive appeal of rewards which come to the righteous, both here and hereafter. (Rev. 14:13-14).
But of all the motives that move men heavenward, love is supreme. It is the “Summum Bonum,” the highest good from which all others are derived. Christian journalist must challenge men to step up to the level of love, without which all else is but “sounding brass, or clanging cymbal.” (1 Cor. 13:1-3). “There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that fearth is not made perfect in love. We love, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:18-19.
Onward Rejoicing, John B. Daniels, Associate Minister
