Why do we do the things we do that we do not want to do? I am sure a lot of it is the fleshly desires and listening to Satan. However, when we listen to God, why do we do it?
I am sure a lot of people will say that they do it because they love the Lord, but is that really true? I would say that is not really the case. This is not 100% true, but for the most of us, it is.
More often than not, even when talking about the Lord, the word I is usually there. That means that you are not really doing it because you the love the Lord, but for your own personal reasons.
When God sent Jesus, did God do it for His own personal reasons or ours? Now since He created the universe and therefore owns everything, then He could have done it for His own selfish reason, but He did not. He did it for us because of His love for us.
God loved us enough to give us freewill so we can make our own decisions. He loved us enough to talk to us through others so we would have a guideline called the Bible to live by. He sent His own son to die for my sins and yours so that you have a chance to live with God and Jesus in Heaven versus Hell. God tries to tell you not to do certain things because it will lead down the wrong path, but do you listen?
So the next time you say you are doing something because you love the Lord, ask yourself am I really doing it for Him or myself? If is very hard to change our attitude and do things for others just because when we have been taught that you never do anything for anyone because they will take advantage of you. However, does that really matter?
It does not matter what others do, it is what you do that is the most important. If you are doing something because it is what God has instructed and this is how you show your love Him, then do not worry about the outcome. If someone is lying to you, just to get something from you, then do not worry unless you are doing it for selfish reasons. You need to do what God asks because you love the Lord. When you do this, I guarantee your life will change forever.