Vanity in Service

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What motivates us? There are always reasons why we do things even that which we do unwittingly. As Christians, everything ought to be done lovingly, as an intended as an actual consequence, and in the means itself. This is the essence of saintliness. There are times when we act with love as a consequence but our actual intent and/or means employed either lack love or are to varying degrees done out of selfishness.

When we support well fare programs, we only think about how we do not want people to go hungry. However, hunger is not the problem but what brings people to that place is. Consequently, we are made to think that we can sign a check and everything is fine. Hunger is taken care of, but not what caused it (of course there are many causes). The point here is analogical, we avoid love’s inconvenience and thus it is really more about ourselves than it is about the hungry, hurting, etc. This dynamic is tragically common. We don’t visit loved ones because there is always something more important to us. Is this not vanity? Is the good we do truly disinterested in self or is it indirect egotism?

In conclusion, as we develop in the Christian life, our deception changes. The obvious sins are rid of, yet the ones that remain hidden are hard to find. Hidden sins, such as vanity in service, can rob life of our relationship with God without us being aware. In doing so, they prevent us from really living Christian life while we think we are thereby we can become convinced that this life is not actually fulfilling. In truth, it is. Let us not deceive ourselves(1 John 1:8-10). As Christians, we must be constantly concerned about this deception, that we may be certain we are actually living what Christ taught through constant review of both our actions and our knowledge of our faith, and not our get-to-heaven-quick-and-easy plan. After all, what is the point in doing good if it does not bring us at least good feelings if not notoriety? Why would I be/do something that my friends did not think I should?

Intentions our hearts sustain,
their error our minds refrain.
Do we notice what is missing?
Judgment, the love of neighbor replacing?

Who do we serve, You or self?
We know we cannot get to heaven without You help
What did You say about losing one's life?
Why do I really endure such strife?

Transform my intent,
let your graces be rent.
My good works only have value in love.
be my salvation from above
I am a created entity, not a person.

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