What Motivates Us
You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.
1 Thessalonians 2:5-8
In the verses above, Paul is saying they were not motivated by the praise of men, but because of the love in their hearts they were delighted to share the gospel of Christ. Christians are motivated by having their hearts filled with God’s love, with a caring compassionate heart that sees people the way God sees people. Each person no matter who they are – is worth more than all the riches in the world in God’s eyes, and we should see everyone the same way. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:31)
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV) If we are steadfast and always abounding in the work of the Lord, if we find things of God more interesting and fulfilling than things of the world, if we see Heaven as our home and this world as a vapor here today and gone tomorrow, then we are motivated by love.
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8) The closer we are to Lord, the more loving relationship we have with the Lord. The more we depend on the Lord, the more we are drawn to him. Christ is more fulfilling than anything on the face of the earth, and serving the Lord is our hearts’ desire.
God’s love in our hearts sets our spirits on fire to serve the Lord and motivates to bring the good news of Christ to lost souls. I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength for my work. I thank him for considering me worthy and appointing me to serve him. (1 Timothy 1:12 GNT) This verse describes our attitude when we serve the Lord. Our hearts are grateful to the Lord for letting us serve him, and for guiding us through the Holy Spirit. If we are truly motivated by love, our life will be centered on serving the Lord.
Today, think about the privilege the Lord has given you that you are an ambassador for Christ, and he has given you the Spirit with his love, power, and compassion. Today, live for Christ revealing his love and kindness.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me the strength and considering me worthy to serve you. There is nothing more fulfilling than serving you, bringing your love and salvation to lost souls. In Jesus’ name, Amen