Checking motives

Why do we do what we do?

What motivates us to do those things on a daily basis?

These questions can obviously cover a wide range of topics.

 - Why do we act the way we do in our marriages?

 - In our families?

 - In our business dealings?

 - In our communities?

 - Within our wide array of relationships?

 - And, of course, on social media?

I've often joked that social media sites such as Facebook, X, TikTok, etc., are public marketplaces where narcissists go to hang. 

We rarely see the realities of everyday life when it comes to the things posted by others.

Instead, what we see tends to be geared more toward how we'd like to be seen by others.

It's been said that depression in younger people can largely be traced back to how they see themselves in comparison to the images seen on a daily basis with regard to those they believe are cooler, prettier, or more famous than them.

Social media influencers reach literally hundreds of millions of people worldwide, 24/7.

But why are we so enamored by them?

Why are they held in such high esteem?

It's because their image, profile, and lifestyle are highly crafted to make them appear to be something they're not.

 - They always look beautiful.

 - They're always visiting beautiful places we'd like to visit.

 - They're always surrounded by other beautiful, successful people.

 - They always appear to be happy and healthy.

We'll never see videos of them waking up with a bad case of stomach flu, stubbing their baby toes on a large piece of furniture as they desperately rush toward a bathroom.

In other words, it's all just smoke and mirrors.

Politicians do the exact same thing.

But going back to my original question, why do we do the things we do?

Is it because we want fame, fortune, acceptance, power, prestige?

If that is the driving force behind any or all of our actions, we're on the wrong page.

I've often said if you want to get a clear picture of your own motivations, look back over your last 20 social media posts. 

 - What do they say about who you are?

 - What do they say about what's important to you?

 - What do they say about how you'd like to be seen by others?

Believe me, I ask these things just as much about myself as I do about others.

From a biblical perspective, our number one motivation in all we say or do should be to show love to others.

In it, we read:

"And now these three things remain - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love."     - 1 Corinthians 13:13

I would challenge you to create a list of three things we can focus our attention upon that would have a greater positive impact upon our own lives, the lives of others, and the world around us.

In all of our thoughts, desires, words, or actions, we should first ask the following:

 - Will doing this inspire faith in others?

 - Will doing this give greater hope to others?

 - Will doing this show love to others?

This is also why the Bible tells us:

"...and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." - 2 Corinthians 10:5

Christ is, above all things, love.

Does this mean we should be constantly wringing our hands in distress, worried that our thoughts or actions might be out of line?

Of course not. 

We are to enjoy life to the fullest.

But in doing so, it's crucial that we make a regular effort to check our motives before speaking or acting.

Social media, relationships, business dealings, and all the trappings of modern society will fade to nothing at at some point.

But "Three things will remain..."