If the Lord were to investigate the motives behind your actions, would you want Him to publish his conclusions? In this devotion we will examine the motives of faith.  Let’s begin by reading two scriptures first.  In Hebrews 11:8-10 we read, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would afterward receive as an inheritance.  And he went out, not knowing where he was going.  By faith he sojourned in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations whose builder and maker is God.”  Now let’s  read James 2:23, “And the scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.  And he was called the friend of God.”

     We can conclude from Hebrews 11:8-10 that Abraham’s friendship with God is 
based upon trust (faith).  His motives are exposed by his actions as described by this scripture.  Abraham proved his willingness to give up everything on Earth to seek a kingdom built by God.  Instead of striving to build for himself, he released everything to the Lord.  Faith gave him “sight” into things that the natural eye could not perceive.
 Historically, we know that Abraham’s homeland was a modern city.  He left much behind naturally speaking. But Abraham’s obedience was not based upon selfish rewards.  His motive was not to build an empire for himself.  Time and again his generosity proved that he considered others.  For example, he allowed Lot to choose the more desirable land. Abraham obeyed God’s call without regard to his current situation.  He did not justify his actions through reasoning nor did he make excuses for not obeying. 

     Look at what Abraham did: 1) a willingness to give up material possessions, 2) an absence of selfishness, 3) obedience not based upon personal gain, 4) decisions not influenced by outward circumstances.  His behavior revealed that he was motivated by love that defined his actions.  Galatians 5:6 tells us that, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor un-circumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.”  The love that worked within him allowed his faith to produce results.  When love is the basis for action, faith will always produce a positive result. It has to because love never fails.  When what you do is motivated by love, then your faith will bring success to your life.

     1 Corinthians 13:4-8 describe the actions of love that motivate and initiate faith.  Are these your actions?  Inventory your heart as you read.  This scripture is quoted from the Amplified Bible, “Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy; is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.  It is not conceited -arrogant and inflated with pride; it is not rude (unmannerly), and does not act unbecomingly.  Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touch or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it-pays no attention ot suffered wrong.  It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.  Love bears up under anything everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances and it endures everything (without weakening). Love never fails.

     Have you taken inventory?  Have you discovered your motives?  Are they based in love?  If so, then you will never fail!