"Called Out Of Darkness"

"Arise, shine"

So, having woken up, i am now called to get up.  But not just that, no!  I am also to SHINE!
Today i was up at 06.10 but not exactly shining...
When speaking with a person begging on the streets what is my motivation?  To show compassion, to identify with the marginalised, to be Christ's body in the world, to earn spiritual brownie points?  I can only say that i act on impulse, i follow the inner voice and ignore the whispers of caution.
I am rather uncomfortable with the idea that if i, in Merton's words, "aid the poor, comfort the sad and lonely" because that is my moral duty, my Christian calling, this is somehow better, more worthy than if i act from a tug on my heart, a desire to reach out, to make a difference without regard for anything above or beyond.