Half Empty or Half Full

Half empty or half full is a question we often hear when being quizzed about our stance on the optimism issue.  I myself will usually fall on the side of the optimists, but, like most of us I would imagine, slide closer to pessimism in my not so good moments.

This got me to thinking about our motivations in the spiritual, God, realm.  How do we see things when it comes to our spiritual lives?  Do will do things out of a love for God or a fear of god?  Do we do things to get to Heaven or simply to avoid Hell?  Does it really matter?  Do our motivations for doing good things matter, or is it the ends that justify the means?  I know that we are told many times to fear God and keep His commandments but I also know we are told many times to love God. So that brings us back to the question, do our motivations really matter?

In the end I think that we can do the right thing for the wrong reason and it still not be acceptable to God, but can we do the do the right thing with the wrong motivation and it be acceptable to God?  I am not so sure about this one.  Maybe we could start a discussion on this.  Is it ok to go through life just doing things because we are afraid of God and Hell, or must we develop the love and “right motivations” for doing the good we do?  Do our motivations or reasons for doing good matter?

Please leave your comments on this in the comment section.  I will draw one name from those who comment for a free copy of Kat Davis’ new book that she is most graciously donating. And please check out her blog at http://www.thedailyverse.com/

Have a blessed day.