MOTIVES AND MINISTRY

“So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”  (Matthew 20:16)

Motives matter to God.  The right thing done for the wrong reason is still wrong.  Jesus warned that to give, pray, or fast to impress people would bring the reward of human approval (Matt.6:1-18), but negate heaven’s applause.  We might suppose that ministry activity would be seen by God as, “gold, silver, precious stones,” yet, should the motive be self-centered and not God-honoring, temporal in its end and not eternal in its goal, then such will prove to be, “wood, hay, straw,” to go up in smoke in the fire of Christ’s scrutiny (1 Cor.3:10-15).

That is the thrust of the parable Jesus presents in Matthew 20:1-16.  It is sandwiched between this point: “But many who are first will be last, and the last first. …” (19:30) and “So the last will be first, and the first last.  For many are called, but few chosen.” (20:16)  The context of the teaching is in response to Christ’s call to sacrificial service (19:23-29).  Peter has popped off—as he was prone to do—“See, we have left all and followed You.  Therefore what shall we have?”  (19:27). Jesus teaches that their labor and loss for His sake will be rewarded (19:18-29), but ministry will also be sifted by motive.

1)      GOD SEEKS SERVANTS (v.1).  God doesn’t need us, yet in His amazing grace and infinite knowledge, He has chosen to employ frail creatures of flesh to partner with Him in His work.  Many are called, but few chosen.  What an honor to be called to preach the Gospel!

2)      SOME WORK AS AN OBLIGATION (v.2).  These were contract laborers.  They were motivated by what they would receive.  There is no hint of grace or love, just “punching the clock,” to collect the pay.  If we are not careful, duty becomes drudgery—and God knows our motive.  If ministry is merely doing a job, then we get out of it what we want—some credit and cash on earth, but nothing in eternity.

3)      OTHERS WOULD WORK IF ASKED (v.3-6).  Some are idle because they are indolent.  These are idle because they were yet to be invited.  They respond eagerly to the offer.  How many people do we have in church life, ready to serve, if only asked?  Are we letting young men know that God still calls people?

4)      THERE IS A WORK OF FAITH (v.4-7).  No contract was negotiated—they simply trusted the Landowner to do the right thing.  Faith is crucial not only in salvation, but in service.  We should read Hebrews 11 and be reminded of the works accomplished by faith.  “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.   (Heb.11:6).

5)      GOD DISPENSES REWARDS ACCORDING TO HIS SOVEREIGNTY (v.8-16).  We will have no ground of complaint at the Judgment Seat.  We will know He does right.  Let us not complain now!  Just do the right thing with the right motive and God will reward someday.  Too many pastors have a wrongful spirit of comparison—leading to pride or envy.  What really matters is God’s evaluation of our ministry and not man’s.  Motives matter!