I am fascinated by the way God blessed the kings in the Old Testament if they followed His commandments, and brought them hardship if they didn't. There was a direct correlation between obedience and material blessing. I often think about that in my own life, and frequently I am motivated to do right because I believe (according to the Bible!) that I will be blessed for so doing. This applies both to issues of clear-cut temptations of sin and other issues where I could do something good or not do anything at all.
I sometimes wonder whether doing something because I believe God will bless me for that decision is materialistic of me, and whether it is really a good reason to do something (for example, helping out with the dishes at home when no one is around to approve of my helpfulness). I wonder whether it is only best to do something when I'm motivated simply by my love for God and a desire to please God and bring Him honor by doing what is right.
But there are two good reasons to not let this concern get in the way of doing something good. First, it's always good to do a good thing. Second, Jesus said that those who love Him are those who keep His commandments. Therefore, if I do what is right I am loving God simply by the act of doing right! In addition, I can pray for God to give me more of the "feeling" of loving Him, and I trust that will happen little by little. In the meantime, I can go on loving God by doing what is right, no matter what my motivation happens to be.
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