“Great things never came from comfort zones.” (Ben Francia)

Motivation is defined as “that which moves one toward an action. The motivation of Christians is supposed to be exactly the opposite of what motivates unbelievers. For one thing, our sense of motivation comes from God not from the things of the world.

How do we biblically motivate people? How can we know that the service taking place is the result of “growing in grace”? The list below represents both selfish and godly motivational techniques:

1. Anger—A ministry has no room for berating emotionally. Instead lead in love.. “Human anger is a futile exercise that will never produce God’s kind of justice in this world. “ (James 1:20, VOICE)

2. Fighting—We can challenge our faith, but we are not to have a spirit that wants to fight. “As the Lord’s slave, you shouldn’t exhaust yourself in bickering; instead, be gentle—no matter who you are dealing with—ready and able to teach, tolerant without resentment, “ (2 Timothy 2:24, VOICE)

3. Guilt (or shame)—There is a difference between guilt and conviction. Guilt brings condemnation and shame. Conviction leads to repentance and growth.

4. Intimidation—Never use your position of authority to dominate people and to get them to do what you want them to do. “Take care of the group of people you are responsible for. They are God’s flock. Watch over that flock because you want to, not because you are forced to do it. That is how God wants it. Do it because you are happy to serve, not because you want money. Don’t be like a ruler over those you are responsible for. But be good examples to them. “(1 Peter 5:2–3, ERV)

5. Manipulation—This preempts and bypasses the work of the Heavenly Father.

1. The grace of God—God’s grace creates a joyful, sweet, willing-hearted disposition. When people serve God out of guilt, they ultimately show resentment to the Christian life. When you serve Him out of grace, they willingly, joyfully, and selflessly continue in faithfulness. “Be strong in the grace that we have because we belong to Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1, ERV)

2. The love of God—When you get a fresh glimpse of God’s love, a heart-level desire to live for Him wells up in your life. His love for you and your love for Him are the purest of all motivations. “The love of Christ controls us, because we know that one person died for everyone so all have died.” (2 Corinthians 5:14, ERV)

3. The people of God—God commands us to lead each other into the right things: One of the greatest motivators is the godly example and encouragement of other Christian friends. “Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds, ²⁵not forgetting to gather as a community, as some have forgotten, but encouraging each other, especially as the day of His return approaches.” (Hebrews 10:24–25, VOICE)

4. The Word of God—You will never go wrong using scripture to motivate. God’s Word is powerful and it effectually works in the hearts of men. “All of Scripture is God-breathed; in its inspired voice, we hear useful teaching, rebuke, correction, instruction, and training for a life that is right so that God’s people may be up to the task ahead and have all they need to accomplish every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17, VOICE).

“You can look for external sources of motivation and that can catalyze a change, but it won't sustain one. It has to be from an internal desire.” (Jillian Michaels) [i]

[i] Inspired by the sermon “Motivation to the Maximum” Sunday June 10, 2018 Pastor JR Zarate CenterPoint Gahanna Church Gahanna, OH.

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