Monday’s Lesson in this week’s Sabbath School lesson asks the question:
What has been your own experience with having your motives or intentions, however well-meaning and sincere, questioned or challenged? What should that tell you about how careful you should be when questioning someone else’s motives?
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
My dad and I studied today’s lesson over the phone, and when we got to this question, we could recall situations where our actions and motives were misrepresented. I recalled a time when, in an attempt to make me look bad, another church leader told lies about me from behind the pulpit. Ironically, there were enough true things to make me look bad, but this leader chose lies. Early the next week, I asked a friend how I could defend myself against these lies. She told me, “Don’t! Defending yourself only gives merit to the lies.” So I let it be, and her advice proved golden. Turns out, one quarter of the congregation knew it was a lie as soon as they heard it. Half the congregation wasn’t paying attention and never heard his lie. The last quarter of the congregation who believed him quickly found the truth on their own.
As I discussed this with my dad, I told him that having my motives and actions misjudged actually helped me examine my motives and make sure I was doing right because it was right, not just to get a good reputation. If we stop doing good because we don’t get the credit we deserve, what does that say about us? When we keep doing right even while people are misconstruing our motives, it says something about our character. And I don’t think I need to remind you that it is our character, not our reputation, that we take to heaven. In talking with my dad, I was reminded of this passage that has been a great source of encouragement for many who have had their actions and motives maligned.
The truly converted soul is illuminated from on high, and Christ is in that soul “a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” His words, his motives, his actions, may be misinterpreted and falsified; but he does not mind it because he has greater interests at stake. He does not consider present convenience; he is not ambitious for display; he does not crave the praise of men. His hope is in heaven, and he keeps straight on, with his eye fixed on Jesus. He does right because it is right, and because only those who do right will have an entrance into the kingdom of God. He is kind and humble, and thoughtful of others’ happiness. He never says, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” but he loves his neighbor as himself. His manner is not harsh and dictatorial, like that of the godless; but he reflects light from heaven upon men. He is a true, bold soldier of the cross of Christ, holding forth the word of life. As he gains in influence, prejudice against him dies away, his piety is acknowledged, and his Bible principles are respected.-Ellen White, Testimonies, Vol. 5, Page 569
Friend, if you are being misjudged and misrepresented while doing what is right, do not be discouraged! Keep on keeping on! Jesus sees you, and your work will be rewarded by the One you are serving out of love.
But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded! 2 Chronicles 15:7 NKJV
