motivation

April 6, 2010

What is it that motivates us as we live and walk this life? Some people would say it is all about getting ahead, moving forward, having more. But more of what? More power? Prestige? Influence? Goods? When one stops to really contemplate and think on those words, what do they mean for us as Christians?

What good is power if we don’t know how to use it properly? Or prestige? Or influence? And how much will goods help us if we are just hoarding them to our own benefit?

Le’ts look at how the world defines motivation, power and influence.

motivation |ˌmōtəˈvā sh ən|

The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way

The general desire or willingness of someone to do something

power |ˈpou(-ə)r|

The ability to do something or act in a particular way, esp. as a faculty or quality

The capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events

Denoting something associated with people who hold authority and influence

Do someone/something a power of good informal be very beneficial to someone or something.

In the power of, under the control of : a church ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The powers that be the authorities. [ORIGIN: with biblical allusion to Rom. 13:1.]

influence |ˈinfloŏəns|

the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself

ORIGIN late Middle English : from Old French, or from medieval Latin influentia ‘inflow,’ from Latin influere, from in- ‘into’ + fluere ‘to flow.’ The word originally had the general sense [an influx, flowing matter,] also specifically (in astrology) [the flowing in of ethereal fluid (affecting human destiny).] The sense [imperceptible or indirect action exerted to cause changes] was established in Scholastic Latin by the 13th century but not recorded in English until the late 16th cent.

Thought I’d throw a little history in there as well!

So what is our desire, our willingness, the reason for behaving as we do?

As believers in, and followers of Christ, if we are motivated simply for our own gain, than I am quite sure we have missed the mark. We have veered off into the standards of the world. A place where we should not be. At least our motivation should not be there. Our bodies may be here, but our minds should be “taking every thought captive for Christ” and “setting our affections on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Our motivation and desire should be totally about and consumed with passion for the Lord.

Ps 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Heb 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

We should desire nothing but the Lord, to be filled with His knowledge, wisdom and understanding, to the full assurance of our hope. When we have put our desire for Him first, it is at that point that He releases the latches of the floodgates of His blessings upon us.

As silly creatures of habit, we so often get this wrong. We try to do all on our own, then cry, moan and complain when events and situations do not go our way. Open our eyes Lord. Take those blinders away. Let us concentrate on you first, and fill us so we can “infect” others with your love as you have loved us.

Jeremiah 17.7 states: But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

So what about power and influence? Let’s remind ourselves of what the Lord said.

2 Timothy 1.7 says : For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

The Lord desires us to have a spirit of power, His power, not one of our own weakness. And yet, when we are weak then we are strong and are filled with more power. Almost contradictory in some ways. And, somehow, so incredibly simple.

1 Corinthians 1.27-31 says this:

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

That no flesh should glory in his presence.

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

In Luke 19 it describes how when we are faithful with little, the Lord is gracious to give us more to have power and authority over. If we are unable or unwilling to take what the Lord has given us, even if it seems small in the eyes of the world, and with the Spirit’s help, to have it grow and mature, than I don’t think the Lord will look too favorably when we ask Him for something greater when we have not proved ourselves capable of using what He already gave us.

The Father wants to give us more spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1.3). Are we willing to use them for His kingdom and glory?

My prayer for all who read this is that you would know the strong arms of the Heavenly Father giving you the hug you desire and yearn for from Him. And that as you get that hug, you will melt into His arms and cry out “Abba, Father.”

Will you join with me for a hug from the Father? He is waiting.