Do you always do the right thing? Have you ever done the right thing for the wrong reason? Is it possible to do the wrong thing for the right reason? The motivation for your actions does matter. Paul noted that some preached Christ out of division and strife, but was still pleased that the gospel message was going forth. But how much better to do it out of love? The wrong motives will not lead to the right actions consistently and in the long run, and it is the transformation of your being that I am looking for more than superficial compliance. The same action taken with the motivation of love is a better action.

Are you an evangelist? My Great Commission was given to all who follow me. Have you received instruction in evangelical work? Did it include listening? Most approaches to sharing my message have the believer do all the talking. Yet in the Biblical example of the woman at the well I listened to what she had to say, so there was a back and forth dialogue. You may not agree with someone’s perspective on eternal truth, but it won’t hurt you to listen to their story. Do you understand that you are asking them to be accept the transformation of the very foundation of their lives? Would you do that for someone who wouldn’t listen to you?

Paul knew both how to be abased and how to abound. Do you? If everyone is in one condition or the other would it follow logically that everyone would know how to behave in their own circumstances even if they did not know how to act in unfamiliar circumstances? Yet many do not know how to do either. Having an improper understanding of true wealth will cause the poor to resent their condition and the wealthy to trust in uncertain riches and make an idol of them. Money is the focus in either case. If your focus is on me you can trust me with your needs and not lose sight of me when I meet them. Then you too can be abased and abound, judging all things.

Do you expect answers for your questions? I have answers for everything. Then why do you still have questions? Are you used to the query/response method of getting answers, such as a student in school or a top official wanting information of a subordinate? I do not promise to reply as if I were a witness under cross-examination. Yet I will still answer your questions. I reserve the right to weave the answers into your life experiences. Do you see how this method is better? Acquiring information can leave you unchanged, but matters of eternal truth require your transformation to comprehend them. It can be helpful for you to ponder unanswered questions.