Preachers sometime try to manipulate their listeners through guilt. Oftentimes it is so frequent that Christians begin to feel that if they do not feel guilty something is wrong with them. That is not the way it should be in "real deal" Christianity. Paul described the motivating force for Christians:
"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, while continually giving thanks through Him to God the Father" (Colossians 3:17).
Everything, whether we speak or act, should be done in conscious connection to our Lord Jesus Christ. The word "name" refers to character, reputation, and works. All of our activity should harmonize with who He is.
But our activity should have another characteristic. It should be characterized by gratitude, by thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is what is brought forth by the heart that truly understands what the Trinity has done for us. Note carefully it does not say guilt but gratitude. Always, always, we should check our motives... are they driven by gratitude?
