I love to sing, and I'm very active in our church choir. But sometimes I wonder if I'm singing in the choir just because I enjoy it, or because I want to serve God. How can I tell what my motives really are? — Mrs. E.R.

It isn't necessarily wrong to enjoy doing something that is good; after all, God made you, and He gave you your abilities and gifts. Where did we get the idea that doing God's will has to make us miserable?! The Psalmist wrote, "I delight to do thy will, O my God" (Psalm 40:8, KJV).

At the same time, it's important to examine our hearts and minds, and to ask God to help us have godly motives. After all, it is possible to do something right—but to do it for the wrong reason. Judas followed Jesus and was part of that little band of men who were His closest disciples—but (as later events demonstrated) he was in it for himself, not to serve God. The Bible warns us not to be like those who are "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:4).

Begin by making sure of your commitment to Christ. It would be tragic if you spent your life in church activities and yet never actually opened your heart to Jesus. Then ask Him to be Lord of every area of your life and to show you anything that is wrong.

The Bible says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). Thank God for the gifts He has given you and ask Him to help you use them for His glory.