“The last temptation is the greatest treason: to do the right deed for the wrong reason.” – T.S. Eliot
I read that quote just a little while ago and it has really stuck with me. However, I don’t want to comment too much on it, but instead I want to encourage you to examine it and think it through.
Because, what I believe Eliot is getting at is that our heart, motives and desires actually do matter.
I believe that’s true, because, in Matthew 25, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees, not for their actions, but for their hearts. They were doing the right deeds for the wrong reasons.
And so, for me today, I’m thinking through not only my deeds, but also my heart. Because,
I believe that Eliot is onto something when he reminds us that the right deeds done for the wrong reasons are a great treason.
Does it follow that doing the wrong thing for the right reason is any better?
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Great question Ernie! I hadn’t actually thought of it before. And I’m not sure that’s any better – although if you’re doing it for the “right reason” then hopefully your heart is in the right place. Which woudl be good, but the better thing is the right thing for the right reason
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