by Alan Smith
What is it that provides you with the motivation to serve God day after day?
Perhaps you are motivated by the fear of punishment if you don't. It's a valid motive -- that's why Jesus told us about hell.
Or perhaps you are motivated by the hope of reward. Again, it's a valid motive -- that's why Jesus told us about heaven.
But I would suggest to you that there is an even higher motive and that is to serve God out of a love and appreciation for all that He has done for us.
As a parent, that's what I hope for my children. They may at times obey me to avoid punishment or to gain some reward I've promised them, but I hope that in time they come to listen to me simply because they love and respect me.
"We love Him because He first loved us." (I John 4:19)