Tag Archives: Monday Motivation

What Motivates You?

What motivates you? Are you ego-driven or purpose-driven?

An ego-driven person is motivated by self-preservation and self-seeking satisfaction. They have a high sense of self-importance and chase after goals for external validation. They spend most of their energy comparing themselves to others and blaming things outside of their control on their shortcomings. They like to dwell in the past, and have trouble seeing beyond the present. The ego-driven person has mistaken what they have or what they do for their identity. 2

Purpose-driven people are motivated to action by a purpose greater than themselves. They take responsibility for their actions and recognize failures and setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. They are determined and confident, grounded and fueled by their mission to grow, help, give, and serve. Their identity is based in their purpose and have their sight set on the future.

As followers of Christ, we are not only purpose-driven, we are God-driven. The cross is our motivation. And our purpose is to worship and love God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and with all our strength (Mark 12:30) We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. (Mark 12:31) Deny ourselves of selfish ambitions and selfish ways, and follow in the footsteps of Jesus (Matthew 16:24.) We are to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly. (Micah 6:8)

In this pursuit of our purpose, we are not to go on our own. We are given the gift of the Holy Spirit who empowers and reminds us of what we are to do. The Spirit leads us to seek God, his strength, and his presence continually. (1 Chronicles 16:11)

This week, whatever we do, let the work on the cross be our motivation. Let us work with purpose and heart, and do it for the glory of God. (Col. 3:23, 1 Cor. 10:31)

Too often we view the cross only as a past event that secured our eternal destiny, and we fail to see how it can motivate daily choices and activities. Stop to contemplate all that God is continually accomplishing in you though the cross. Let it be your motivation to live wholeheartedly for Christ.- Charles Stanley

Monday Motivation

This week might be coming at you like a freight train. A packed schedule with a million things that need to get done. Appointments that need to be kept. Situations that need to be dealt with. Life that needs to be managed.

You might feel completely ready to take on everything that will come this week. If so, that’s awesome! Go attack the week with enthusiasm!

But maybe you feel like this week is overwhelming before it’s even begun. Maybe there are things, in and out of your control, that are intensifying the expectations and responsibilities. Exhaustion, pain, loneliness, anxiety, lack of confidence, lack of resources. These things can make everything seem extra difficult, maybe even impossible. It is for you, I write this post.

When I feel overwhelmed, I hold myself to only one expectation. Keep moving forward. One small step at a time. In faith.

For me, that first step begins on my knees. I pray messy, raw prayers that drain my heart of the anxiety and fear that’s holding me back. I lay it all out there to God, “hand” everything over to Jesus. I admit I cannot do it on my own, admit I do not know what to do or where to go next, and ask for help to keep my eyes focused Jesus and the hope I have through the confidence of faith. And then I take the next step out in faith.

Faith is a powerful thing! By faith, we can do impossible things in holy fear. By faith, we can trust God and obey even when things do not make sense. By faith, we can rejoice in weakness knowing He is strong. By faith, we can endure hardships and persecution, wander in “deserts” and desolate places. By faith, we can realize that difficult situations can (and will be) used for dynamic destinies.  By faith, we can take the next step, walk in love and grace, conquer the situations that come, hold on to the glorious, living hope, and be thankful and joyful in all circumstances knowing we are never alone.

Jesus goes before you. He sees your week and what’s to come. He promises to fight on your behalf (Deut. 1:30), level uphill battles and break down barriers (Isaiah 42:2) and guard your back (Isaiah 52:12.) Be encouraged! Take the next step in those truths.

Have a great week! I’m praying for you! ❤

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1