DIFFERENT MOTIVES

I watched five hundred neighbours move slowly into our neighborhood today. I can tell they are only here for a couple of days and then they will be gone. They docked just four blocks from our apartment building. It happens almost every week during "the season" as cruise ships come and go. Why did they come?
Jan met with 8 international women over coffee this week. These intelligent ladies talked a lot about shopping. They are here because their executive husbands have been sent by their company. Life is comfortable with private car and driver; housekeeping help, etc. But their motives for being here are very different.
Many people visit Vietnam for days or weeks. Some come for several years. Some come to experience new food and a new culture; some come to make money; some come to learn and some come to serve God. Of course it is possible to combine these: I know there are Christian business people here whose purpose is to make money but they are committed to serving God as they serve their company. Different motives.
The other day I was struck by David's statement of motive as he prepared to fight Goliath. Sure his ego may have been involved and he was promised a reward. But those were incidental to his major reason for fighting the giant who daily shouted taunts at the frightened Israeli soldiers.
David says in effect, I am going to kill you because you bring dishonour to God. Because I kill you "the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel". I Samuel 17:46 What a great motive. He is concerned about God's reputation. He wants the world to know how great is his God.

What a great life motive: I want more people to worship God; to have greater appreciation for our Creator and Saviour. Our desire is that "His kingdom comes, His will is done, on earth as it is in heaven." For this reason we are in Vietnam. For this reason, whatever you do today, do it in a way that pleases God. And perhaps as others observe your life, they will think higher thoughts of your God. Together lets help many more people know that there is a God who loves them and deserves their loyalty and worship.