LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Correcting Motivations
Matthew 8:18-22.
When men try to follow the Lord, they must correct their motivations. In this passage of Matthew we find two characters, one who wants to follow the Lord, and another who is already His disciple. Both had wrong motivations, which the Lord corrects.
The first one wanted to be a disciple, but he sought to profit from it. He says to him: "Master, I will follow you wherever you go". The Lord knew what was in this man's heart. His words sounded very good, but the heart was not right. There is no natural man who can say such words without self-interest, for man is selfish by nature.
This man wanted to follow him to improve his lot. A Master who worked miracles, who healed the sick, was a perfect Master to become rich, or to achieve honor. Therefore, the Lord says to him: "The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head". Thus, the Lord, who knows what is in the heart of man, corrects the motivations of this man.
Whoever wants to be a disciple of Christ must accept that his lot is no better than that of his Master, who had no worldly goods, not even a place to sleep.
The second one who comes to the Lord was already a disciple, but he still had his family affections very much alive. He says to the Lord: "Lord, let me go first and bury my father". He wanted to leave the Lord momentarily to go and attend to his parents; his mission as a son came first. But the Lord corrects that motivation, because he must always occupy the first place. If he does not occupy the first place, he will occupy none.
There are many things that occupy man's heart and prevent him from allowing the Lord to occupy the central place in it. In this case it was filial affection, but it can also be fraternal affection, conjugal or paternal affection, or also the love of riches or social honor.
It does not matter whether it is one or the other, the Lord demands to occupy the first place in the heart of the one who wants to be his disciple. In this way he will be able to say to him "Lord" without this word being a lie in his mouth. There are many things in the heart of man that are wrong, but man himself ignores them. What does the Lord do? He corrects his motivations, telling each one what he needs to hear, in order to realize what is in his heart.
What things does the Lord want to tell you? What things does he want to correct in you? Let yourself be examined by the Lord, so that he can evaluate what is there, and you can become a true disciple.