Have you ever asked yourself that question? When it is quiet and you have a million things running through your mind; things you have said, ways you have treated people and should have treated people. Do you find yourself questioning your motives? It is a constant concern for me. I believe there are various motives driving people to do or say what they do and say.
I found on Wikipedia that needs, desires, wants, or urges drive a person's actions. David McClelland's "Theory of Needs" claims there are three main drivers for motivation: a need for achievement, a need for affiliation, and a need for power. I think this is interesting and probably close to being accurate. It deals with a worldly attitude of self-satisfaction.
Designethically.com is a website suggesting there are six types of motivation: incentive, achievement, social acceptance, fear, power, and growth. Edusoftlearning.com identifies six characteristics of motivation: choice, challenge, control, collaboration, constructing meaning, and consequence. The more you type in about motivation, the more hits you get. Opinions and studies are almost as numerous as the stars, so I have to stop here. Honestly, I feel like I am swimming in the deep waters of psychological studies of which I have little knowledge or desire to learn much more about.
I know this sounds a little superficial or non-caring, but I do not want it appear I have no interest at all. In fact, the opposite is true. I do care about the mindsets and incentives of people. I care about why people do what they do and say what they say regardless of the consequences. Being transparent about this, I have to admit I am often judgmental regarding people's motives. Being even more transparent, I am often judgmental about my own motives. I struggle with the above information about motivations and constantly ask God to give me the correct ones.
I believe the above theories and findings are more applicable to the world culture as a whole. I do not believe they are the same in the Christian's world view and culture; although they can certainly and easily be identified in particular Christian's lives.
So, this brings us to the question at hand, "Why do I do what I do?" or bringing it home to you, "Why do you do what you do?" The American writer, Richard Bach is quoted as saying, "I gave my life to be the person I am; was it worth it?" Have you ever thought about that? We only have one life to be lived out in this present world which will one day be over. We will "fold our tents" so to speak and the question will remain, "Did my life have results that were lasting and important to myself and others?"
More importantly, did it glorify God? I would like to apply this to the Christian. We spend our entire lives to be who we are and the question is, "Was it worth it?" In the end, did my life matter? Did the things I have said and done in my life have any God-honoring results?" Philippians 4:13 says,
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (HCSB), "...who gives me strength to do whatever I must do (ERV), "... through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace (AMP)."
Ok, we are getting closer to an answer. The Christian is able to claim an ability to do what ever he does because of the power of Christ in him. As a believer, we understand that "whatever we do" is related to the will of the Father. What we do must give God the glory lest we must not do it.
In review to this point, there is a worldly concept of motivation mostly inspired by selfish or self-serving concerns.
When applied to the Christian, we find motivation stems from a spiritual relationship with God. This is empowered by Jesus Christ living within the follower. We have the Christian world view, the power of Christ within us, and finally, I would like us to take a look at the internal or spiritual reason for why we do what we do.
Philippians 4:11-13 is a powerful tool a believer can memorize and apply to any situation he finds himself. If you recall, the Apostle Paul wrote these words from prison. He went as far as to say he has the ability to do all things "...in any and every circumstance." If you go back a couple of chapters in Philippians, I believe (know) you will find in chapter 2 the motive of a Christian comes from the indwelling Spirit of Christ in him. Chapter 2:12-16 tells us to be lights in the world.
"So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence (remember Paul is writing from prison), work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you, enabling you , both to will and to act for His good purpose. Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. Hold firmly the message of life."
Paul is able to exhort us in this way when we find the source he wrote about it verses 5-11,
"Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross. For this reason God also highly exalted Him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow - those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth - and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
If you break down these verses, you will find something about Jesus to be emulated by his followers. Jesus humbled himself. Jesus came to serve others in humility. All of his actions were the result of humility. That was Jesus' motive. He put others first and did all to the honor and glory of the Father.
Wrapping it up, think about the question, "Why do you do what you do?" If it is not out of a motive of humility, as witnessed by putting others first, driven by and empowered by the presence of Jesus Christ in your life, I would quite simply suggest a change needs to be made. Notice I said change. The change is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Following him must be the motive for doing what you do? You can only get this by having Christ in your life.
Put your motives under the lens of seeking the truth. Why did Jesus do what he did? Why do you do what you do?
Wear Jesus Well,
Blessings,
Steve
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