856 What Is Your Motivation? - Matthew 7:21-23

What does it mean to enter the kingdom of heaven? What difference do our motives make?   “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Matthew 7:21-23 ESV   Why did Jesus say this right after the passage on the tree and its fruit above?   Jesus seems fairly harsh in this little section. Is there something for us today?   Our actions matter; words, not so much. Talk is easy. The fruit analogy continues. However, what is the motive behind our actions. What is the result of what I claim? What is the outcome of what I do? Those are the things that matter. Did we live following Jesus with our actions or only our intentions?   Today on our Marketplace Mission Trip, we talk about the need to deliver excellent work. Quality work is a baseline requirement of workplace ministry. But people who don't follow Jesus can also do a great job. Do a great job because you follow Jesus. Serve others because you follow him. Bless others because you follow him. That completes the circle.   We can produce bad fruit. We can produce good fruit. Regardless, if we're not following Jesus and growing our knowledge of him, we miss out.   Today, listen to God and do what he says. We're called to be different. Why not join a community of believers who want to follow Jesus more closely. Check out community out at https://community.followerofone.org.