Thursday, July 13, 2023

What motivates you? It’s different for all of us in the beginning. As a teenager and young adult, bragging rights amongst my brothers and friends is what drove me. There wasn’t a better feeling than having them know I bested them at something. (Years later, it’s still not terrible when we get to talking about the good ol’ days!)

My motivation changed over time as I grew into my professional purpose. I’ve never liked too much attention directed at me, but validation is important. It’s nice to feel like your work is worthwhile, but doing it for the recognition alone, only serves you. I like to call it the Kanye Syndrome. Kanye West is quoted in his lyrics saying, “Only I could see it was the pride in me that was driving me,” and “I was sick about awards, couldn’t nobody cure me.”

As our guest speaker, Josh Whitlow, pointed out last weekend, it’s possible to do the right things for the wrong reasons, even when you’re living out your God-given purpose. This holds true in both our professional life as well as our spiritual one.

Luke 10:20
“But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”

Although I appreciate any feedback I receive and revel in a job well done, what truly motivates me is sharing other’s stories and knowing God loves me enough to have gifted me the ability. I try to stay grounded by not holding on to the words I write, and I rarely even read what I wrote a second time. Living in my purpose reminds me of God’s promise of great things here and beyond. Why wouldn’t I be motivated to make a difference knowing that heaven blessed the day God sent me here?

I recently took on a project for a 94-year-old client who wants to tell her story. I am amazed by this woman in so many ways, including her ability to get on Zoom unassisted. She has helped change the lives of many people and watched them pay it forward. I asked how she remains motivated at her age. She said it’s due to 94 years of living a life of purpose. Knowing you are blessed is enough motivation to look forward to another day.

Questions:
Are you motivated for the right reasons? What does it mean to you to be loved by God?

Next Steps:
Check your motivation. Regularly attend weekend services to know God, find freedom by joining a Group when they start up in the fall, discover your purpose by attending GrowthTrack, and make a difference in the lives of others by serving on the DreamTeam.

Prayer:
God, knowing that I am loved by you changes how I see the world. It is easier to push away negativity and ignore doubters when I remember you have written my name in your “Book of Life.” Allow me to continue growing in my purpose without losing sight of its reason. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Ecclesiastes 9:17
Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king.