READ: 1 Thessalonians 2:3- 10
“Feed the flock of God …not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind…” – 1 Peter 5:2
Jesus had a reason for praying. He had reasons for doing the things He did. He wanted to help people. He was moved with compassion. “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).
This means that Jesus felt pity, mercy, kindness and tenderness to- wards the people. Obviously, Jesus was not thinking about getting any money from them. He was thinking about helping them.
If you are a leader, what thoughts go through your mind? Are they thoughts of how much money you can get from the people you lead? Are they thoughts of how much you will be paid for each move you make? Is your mind filled with thoughts of personal gain and personal profit? If that is the case, then you are not the Jesus type of leader!
Your motives are very important. The Apostle Paul de- scribed in Romans 9:1-3, how he was burdened for his people, the Israelites. If you are leading people for any other reason other than a desire to help them, I’m afraid you are in the wrong job. You must be concerned about other people and their problems even if you do not have those problems.
Since God looks on the heart, your motives are very important. God has made it clear that ministers should not be in the ministry for money—filthy lucre.