There are dozens of reasons why we do the things we do. Motivations are what drive us, they’re the activation of our desires. Desires are primary, instinctive. Some are inescapable, hard-wired attributes that all of us are born with – like the desire to enjoy good food, be cared for by others, and be involved in pursuits that are meaningful. Others are acquired through life’s traumas, which get written onto our permanent operating system as well…like inordinate desires to always be right, or to make a big splash in the world, or to be recognized & admired by others. This is what I’m talking about…the insatiable hungers that develop in our souls as we live in this dangerous world.
As the leader of a service-oriented non-profit, I’m constantly serving other people and training volunteers to do the same. Every year I work with literally hundreds of volunteers – they’re wonderful people and we do really good things for people in need. Many of our projects have made life-altering impacts on those we serve and serve with, and I’m so blessed to be part of it! That being said, it’s vital that we remain grounded when it comes to our motivations; because it’s easy to get sucked into doing the right thing for the wrong reason.
Speaking for myself, motivation is especially important because I set the tone for so many others. Godly, healthy motivations in me have a way of inspiring & launching the dreams of those I serve with. On the contrary, when I’m being driven along by inner winds that represent self-serving motivations, it often ends up disempowering others and throwing wrenches in the gears. Can you relate? It’s like this with all relationships, really. When our inner-desires are under control, we are free to pour ourselves into the people we lead and/or love without being distracted by what we think we need from them. This is true in marriage, parenting, management, friendship, neighborhoods, social groups, church life, etc. This is deeply spiritual, and has its birthplace in our relationship with God.
When we approach other people with needs we want them to fill, it’s all about us and we can end up sabotaging God’s work in us and in others. This can even happen when we’re doing good things. For example, sometimes I do good because I want to be recognized and admired. This is one of my acquired default settings that tends to rear its ugly head occasionally; and as I continue to grow in relationship with God, I’m learning to recognize it and bring it to the throne of my Master.
Each of us was created to be in intimate, daily relationship with God…to receive our source of identity & meaning & motivation straight from Him. When we get our deepest inner needs met by our Heavenly Father, we consequently don’t come to others with a basket of unmet needs to fill. This is incredibly freeing! It’s what the scriptures mean when they talk about joy. Joy is totally different than happiness, which is related to the “happenings” of our lives and is ultimately transitory. But Joy is independent, it’s what automatically rises up within us due to the wonderfulness of God and His ability to empower us to overcome the world!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.” Psalm 37:4-5
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 11:33-12:2
2 replies on “Motivation”
Can you think of anywhere in Scripture where it states that if our motivations are impure, we shouldn't do the job? Can you think of any place in Scripture where it states that we should still do the job whether or not our motivations are pure? In other words, how serious does God view it regarding our motivation versus our actions?
That's a really good point! There are lots of times in life when we need to do what's right even when we don't feel like it, or if we're having motivational problems. That being said, there are times when we can get caught-up in the benefits that come with doing good things, and begin to worship them rather than the Creator. For example, we can get so addicted to affirmation for doing great things for strangers in need that we fail to take care of the people we're actually more responsible for….or we can develop an inability to say "no" and set healthy boundaries. Also, I would say that in God's view of our motivations and actions, He knows about and cares about both….not either/or. Thanks for bringing this up!