Motivation - is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors.
In everyday usage, the term "motivation" is frequently used to describe why a person does something. It is the driving force behind human actions. We define motivation simply as the reason we do something. Lately I find myself thinking about what motivates me, especially when making a decision. I want to be less worried about the outcome of my decision and more concerned that my motivation is right. Will it honor God? He is less worried about the outcome and more concerned with the reason for our decisions. Don't get me wrong - it does matter what we do. But if our motivation and heart are in the right place, our actions will follow.
In the Bible there are many true stories of people going their own way. In Genesis 11, Noah's family began to repopulate the earth. They decided at one point to ignore God's command to spread out. Instead, they built a tower to show their greatness! Their motivation was obvious and so was their heart. They were selfish and their hearts followed.
In Psalm 127:1-2 it says, "Unless The Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and you stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves." This gives us a promise that those who love God will rest from selfish motivation. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to rest from our selfish motivation that takes up so much of our time? When was the last time you thought about what motivates you?
Is your motivation making a name for yourself, your children or church? Or is it to honor God the best way you can?
May we always be motivated by God's glory and not our own.