Did you ever kiss a mule?

A young somewhat cocky cowboy was riding his horse one day when he
spied a hunched-over old farm hand on a mule. Deciding to have a little
fun, the young cowboy drew his six-shooter and told the old man to get down
off his mule. He then asked the old man "if he had ever danced" and began
to empty his revolver at his feet with great laughter.

The old man slowly turned back to his mule (unamused) and put his hand
into his pack and drew a shotgun, aimed it at the now bulletless young
cowboy and said, "Did you ever kiss a mule?"

To which the young cowboy said with fright, "No, but I have always
wanted to!"

There is nothing like a bullet for motivation. What is it, though,
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)

Whatever your motivation, may you give your life wholly to God!

Alan Smith