WHAT IS YOUR SOURCE OF MOTIVATION?

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” – Colossians 3:23-24

Motivation is the desire to act in service of a goal. It’s a crucial element in setting and attaining our objectives. Motivation is one of the driving forces behind human behavior. It fuels competition and sparks social connections. To become successful in your chosen career or business, you must decide to remain motivated. This is what differentiates one person from another. So, what motivates us as Christians?

Many begin motivated and galvanized to achieve their dreams, but as time goes on, their motivation fizzles out, especially as they encounter challenges. Without motivation, they are unable to achieve their goals.

When we begin something, we often have great determination and motivation. We have a goal set in our mind, and we pump ourselves up so much that we can see the finish line. Fast-forward a couple of weeks, and here comes that all-too-familiar lack of drive.

In Colossians 3, Paul tells the Christians in Colossae and us to work at whatever you are doing with all of your heart. In other words, our work and all of our activity should be done in a way, with a heart, with a goal of pleasing God. Our efforts as believers should come from a place of devotion to Jesus as an expression of a transformed heart.

Everything you do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. In other words, our motivation should be primarily to please and obey our Lord, Jesus Christ. We are to be motivated by living our lives in a way that glorifies God. We are to be loving, patient, and kind. We are not to rejoice in wrong but to rejoice in right. We are to work, talk, do, or serve out of love, mercy, and grace. We are to care for others with a servant’s heart. The needs of others outweigh ours as we care for the least, the lost, and the last.   

The preceding paragraph probably seems overwhelming or convicting, but that’s because none of us can persevere in our own strength. We constantly fall short of perfection. But God planned for our lack, and He’s not expecting us to get there in our strength. You’re loved, made new, and met God’s standards through Christ.

Since the beginning of humanity, every person in every generation has experienced moments when their motives are put to the test. Psalm 26:2 says, “Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.

One of the best ways to keep our motives pure is to ask God to show us why we do what we do. Because when we consider our motives before taking action, we are more likely to act in a way that honors Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1. Where does motivation come from for you?
2. What motivates us to worship God in every aspect of our life?
3. How does the future motivate you?