Two Powerful Motivators!

The story has been told of a young man who decided to take a shortcut home through a cemetery one night. It was difficult to see in the shadows, and as he walked he ended up falling into an open grave. He tried jumping, tried pulling in a little dirt from the sides to stand on, but with everything he tried he could not climb out. Finally he decided to save his strength, go to sleep and wait till morning for help. In the meantime another fellow -- who apparently decided to take the same shortcut -- also ended up falling into the same open grave. As this man was threshing around trying to climb out, the first man was awakened and said with a chuckle, "You can't get out of here!" ... But HE DID!

Motivation sometimes works miracles. Different things motivate at different times and in different ways yet -- at least for the moment -- just as powerfully.

FEAR can be a powerful motivator. FEAR can get one to run faster or even move heavier objects than is possible under ordinary circumstances. FEAR is also what motivates some to do what is right. To the church in Rome Paul wrote. . .

"(3) For rulers are not a TERROR to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no FEAR of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, (4) for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be AFRAID, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. (5) Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience." ( Romans 13:3-5 ESV)

However, another powerful motivator is LOVE. Just like fear, LOVE can make it possible for one to use more strength than would be present under ordinary circumstances. LOVE also is a powerful motivator to persevere in doing what is right. To the church in Corinth Paul referred to this motivator working in his life when he said . . .

"FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST CONTROLS US, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;" ( 2 Corinthians 5:14 ESV)

The New King James Version states "the LOVE of Christ COMPELS us." Usually motivation by fear is short-lived. However, the motivating power of LOVE is enduring. May Christ's LOVE compel us to press on faithfully as servants of God. Focus on that LOVE. Appreciate it. Allow it to be the powerful influence in all areas of our lives.

Have a great day MOTIVATED BY LOVE!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 09/21/1998 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

See other teEn-MAIL on Motives