Motivation
Some people seem to always have the energy to get busy when something needs
doing. Other people need something else to get them busy. We use many things
for motivation. The paycheck is what keeps some going and the satisfaction of
a job well done is another motivation.
There are times when we really do not feel like jumping into the task that needs
to be done if there is no time restriction. Perhaps putting off a project gives
us a moment to reflect and think about our tasks we are going to be doing. Even
still, this is extra sleep time for some people.
From a spiritual application, we must also deal with motivation. Jumping to
the subject that would normally be at the end, we find that heaven is a great
motivator. That is if we do not lose focus upon the now.
Spiritually speaking one of the first motivators we experience is the fear of
hell. We read of hell in the Bible, and know it is a horrible place. Darkness,
pain, crying, and separation from God and any hope that He offers should scare
us. Such realization should cause anyone to amend their ways and start doing
those things which will keep them out of hell.
As we progress we learn that sin keeps us separate from God (Isaiah 59:2). Since
we know that having a relationship with God is vital to avoiding hell, we seek
to learn what God wants from us. Thankfully, God was merciful enough to provide
the way of salvation through His Son, Jesus; and we know that our obedience
to His teaching will get us into heaven.
After we obey the gospel message through our baptism, we need to be motivated
to continue on with our lives as Christians. We had to put the old members to
death and put on the new life in Christ (Colossians 3:1-10). Of course we all
know that change is hard to accomplish. People hate change and any attempt to
change anything will be met with resistance. Even if the change is shown to
be beneficial, most people still resist it. Changing our lives from sinner to
Christian is not an easy task to be sure. But realizing that if we do not make
the change we cannot get to heaven could help motivate us.
As we grow as a Christian, we need motivation to study the Bible on a regular
basis. We need motivation to attend every assembly of our local church. We need
motivation to encourage others to be faithful, and we need that encouragement
also. We will eventually get to the point where we should be motivated to share
our faith with others. This does not mean one must be a polished speaker who
preaches a sermon. No, just having enough compassion in your heart for the plight
of those who are lost should motivate you to assist them to find a relationship
with God.
Helping others should be a quality that we possess and we must motivate ourselves
to serve others. Serving others, teaching others, and following God's commands
will help us get to heaven. So sure, we need to be motivated.
It is not always easy to motivate yourself, so perhaps if you focus upon Jesus,
instead of yourself, you will find all the motivation you need. Whether the
motivation is negative (not going to hell) or positive (going to heaven); we
need to motivate ourselves to do those things which God tells us can get us
into heaven.
By Carey Scott
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