I don’t know about you but I’ve struggled with having the proper motivation in life sometimes.
My wife Laura and I have been binge watching old reruns of The Amazing Race. If you haven’t seen it, it’s basically a show where teams of two race around the world for a million dollars.
What’s so interesting about the show is watching everyone’s motives. They start the race having the proper motivation but the truth soon comes out. They start lying, cheating and yelling. It gets pretty crazy.
When it comes to growing in our faith and our walk with Jesus having the proper motivation is absolutely necessary. It’s a key to having victory in your life.
Here are three questions to ask yourself to make sure you’re having the proper motivation:
Is what I’m doing valuing others?
We learn in Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Is that you?
When you look at this verse which person are you, the one with selfish ambition or the one who values and considers others? Make it your life motivation to value others. Jesus did.
Is how I’m acting building others up?
1 Corinthians 14:26 says, “Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”
When you’re in a crowd do you build others up or tear them down? Make it your life motivation to build others up. You never lose when you do.
Is what I’m saying kind toward others?
Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Does your anger get the better of you? Do you lash out with harsh words? Do you tend to slander and gossip? If so it’s time to evaluate your motives.
Kindness triumphs every time. If you really want to have victory in your life make it your motivation to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving towards others. It’s a godly motivation.
When we value others, build them up and treat them with kindness we are acting like Jesus. It’s how he treats us. He wants us to have the same motivation.
