I don’t have much time but I thought I’d throw this out. As I continue my time in Nashville, I went to a showcase last night with David Phelps, Amy Grant, Brad Stine, and a talk for Chuck Swindoll. It was half/ half at times and pretty cool at others.
During Pastor Swindoll’s talk, his driving question was this “What is your motive?”
A good question to ask. As he went through, he talked about different motives we could have in our lives that could be unhealthy, healthy, understandable, and wordly. However, as he continued, he suggested the only motive that is in balance with the Scripture and brings a healthy understanding of life is this; my motive is to bring glory to God.
There are many applications to this and he brought up a few. I thought of some that apply to my life at this time. Maybe you can can see some as well. However, for now, I am running late and must run! Maybe more later……
Emerging Conservative 
I’m curious… what were some of the bad motives that were mentioned?
Good question Maduin. I wish I was more rested and remember more….=)
Keeping in mind this was a talk for Christian bookstores which are experiencing more than the norm struggles and are closing left and right, the examples given were more for our situations.
He went through examples that our motives could be to make a profit (financial goal), to make a difference in others lives (encouragment goal), to do better than the store down the street (competive goal) and the like. Again, not any or all are “bad” as much as maybe not the best and most balanced.
For instance, our store is struggling badly financialy. If my main motive was financial or competitive, I would be more than stressed and ready to give in. If my goal is to bring glory to God through our store, then I will also consider the people we are praying with in the store, the testimony the little old lady buying a $1.50 card at the counter, and other factors in the big picture.