Dale Ridge church of Christ

            Do you find that your level of zeal is low?    Do you need more enthusiasm in your service to the Lord?   The majority of us would probably have to answer with a definite “Yes!” to these questions.  The simple fact is that many times in our lives, our spiritual fervor is not quite what it ought to be. 

Although we understand Jesus’ distaste for those who are lukewarm (Revelation 3:15-16), sometimes we must admit (if we are honest with ourselves) that we ourselves fall into that very category.  Sometimes in our lives, we get into a spiritual rut, and we just need a lift to get out.  The question then is, “how do we get out of the rut?”  What is it that can get us going? How can I be more motivated?

Types of Motivators

                When it comes to matters of motivation, it must be recognized that there are two different types or forms – external and internal.  Many times, we seek the external forms of motivation to get us moving.  External motivators generally result in temporary and superficial results. These kinds of motivators include things, such as giving your children an allowance or any other type of reward to influence their actions and behavior. 

These kinds of motivators can be both positive and negative.  For instance, one can be motivated to certain actions or behaviors by giving compliments on the positive side or by offering criticisms on the negative side.  Sometimes, people pick a job or profession based primarily upon how much money that job might pay.  Working primarily for a paycheck though is just another type of external motivation.  When it comes to finding that job or career, Leon Estep, Professor at Amridge University, has well stated “to follow your passion and not your paycheck.  When you do that” he says, “you’ll never work a day in your life.”   While external motivators can be good at times, they only really offer short-term shallow solutions.

Internal motivator,s on the other hand, are long-term and essential in our spiritual lives.  Having this form of motivation causes us to be more passionate and enthusiastic about the cause of Christ.  It can move us to be more zealous and to be more eager to serve.  Well, how can I be more internally motivated?  How can I be more enthusiastic?  The word “enthusiasm” literally means “God within”.  In order to be motivated as we ought to be, we must have God indwelling us.  How does that happen?  It happens through one’s personal internalization and growth in His holy divine word (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:18-19;  1 John 3:24; Ephesians 3:17; Romans 10:17).

The Apostle Paul’s Formula for Motivation

The apostle Paul was one who was definitely highly motivated and full of zeal in his life and service to the Lord.  A look into the way in which the apostle Paul was motivated internally can help us to be more passionate and productive in our own lives and service to the Lord.  2 Cor. 5:8ff is one section in Paul’s writings whereby he identifies specific internalized motivators that energized him in his passionate ministry to the Gentiles.

The “Desire” Factor

The first factor in Paul’s motivation formula was his own personal longing to be present with the Lord and accepted of Him (2 Corinthians 5:8-9).  In another place, he would say, “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better” (Phil. 1:23).  According to Thayer, this word “desire” in this passage means “craving, longing”; and in a negative sense, he shows that it means “desire for what is forbidden, lust.”    

Even before becoming a Christian, Paul (then Saul of Tarsus) wanted more than anything else to be pleasing unto God (Acts 23:1; Acts 26:9; Philippians 3:4-6).  Whenever he learned that his former life as a Pharisee of the Pharisees was in error, he repented and changed directions in his life.  This primary goal and passion began to be to serve the very One he had once persecuted others for worshipping and serving (Philippians 3:7-8).   This desire and longing that Paul had internalized motivated him to attain the goal for which he had long awaited (2 Timothy 4:6-8).  

The “Knowledge” Factor

The second factor that can be seen in Paul’s motivation formula concerns Paul’s anguish over the lost (2 Corinthians 5:10-11).  Paul says, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men. . . .”  Paul did not have the concept like many do today that grace covers all and that all roads lead to heaven. 

A few years ago, Oprah Winfrey stated, “One of the mistakes that human beings make is that believing that there is only one way to live and that we don’t accept that there are diverse ways . . . there are millions of ways . . . and many paths to what you call God.”  This kind of thinking may be the common culturally accepted concept of our society today, but it is completely contrary to the truth which Jesus taught.  Jesus said the way to heaven was narrow and that few would find it (Matthew 7:13-14).  He taught that even sincere religious people would be among those who would not find the way of salvation (Matthew 7:21-23).  This would be because though they might be religious and sincere, they would not do the will of the Father.  Jesus taught that the only way to eternal life was through him (John 6:44-45; John 14:6).

Paul understood that one day all will stand before Christ at the judgment and that sadly most will hear those words “Depart from me.”  He understood that at the judgment, every person will give an account of how they have lived (2 Corinthians 5:10);  we will be judged by the Bible (John 12:48); and Christ Himself will be our judge (John 5:22).  With this knowledge of the “terror of the Lord,” it is no wonder that Paul had such a deep concern for the lost to plead with them (Acts 24:25) and pray for them (Romans 10:1-3).

The “Constraining” Factor

The third internal motivating factor for Paul for his sacrificial service was the love of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14).  Paul said the love of Christ is that which “constraineth” him.   The word “constraineth” has the meaning “to hold together with constraint, to compress” as in forcing “a ship into a narrow channel” or “to hold fast” as “of a prisoner” (Thayer).  As a great ocean liner might enter into the Panama Canal, Paul was brought in from all worldly concepts of love into an understanding of the perfect love of Christ.   This love was sacrificial and selfless (2 Corinthians 2:15).  The love sees every person as valuable, because they are made in God’s image and not because of their appearance or ability (2 Corinthians 2:16).

If you find yourself stuck in a rut, then apply the Apostle Paul’s formula for motivation.  Internalize the desire to be with Christ and be accepted of Him.  Develop a deep recognition within that one day all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ.   Learn of the love of Christ, and let it lead you to a life of fervent service for the Lord.

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Filed under: Devotional, Michael Carter on November 15th, 2008