I was speaking with a friend last night about the reasons why we do things. He made the point that we are called to do all things in the Lord. He pointed out that in doing so it sometimes seems as if we are motivated simply to store up rewards in heaven or to avoid hell, and these motives seem, well, less than they should be. I know what he is saying, but I think things are not so simple. Let me use a couple examples from family life to explain what I mean.
Look at it from a parent-child perspective. I ask my children to do certain things for a variety of reasons. They may obey only because they want to avoid punishment or receive a reward. They may obey because they understand and agree with my request or because they love me and know that I love them. As a parent, I would prefer the latter two reasons, but if I cannot have these, obedience solely to avoid punishment or to seek reward is acceptable. Sometimes that is all that they can give.
What about in a mature relationship? I sometimes do things so that my wife is not displeased. Too much time at the computer or reading one of my books instead of being with the family can make a spouse understandably unhappy. No one likes it when someone is angry with them - in fact it can be rather unpleasant. Avoiding this, especially with someone so important to me, motivates me. Is this the same motivation as turning off the computer because I would rather spend time with the family I love? No, they are not. The latter is a much better motive. But the first motive is still valid - and sometimes that is all I can give.
Here is what I conclude from this. Is it better to obey because we love God? Yes. Is it better to obey because we understand and take his command as our own law? Yes. Is it alright if all we have is obedience to gain reward or avoid punishment? Indeed it is. However we each need to grow beyond this if our relationship with God is to mature beyond that of a child. Though even in a mature relationship, sometimes these “lesser” motives have their place.
