Motivation is behind everything we do. Every action you take has motivation behind it. If you did not have motivation, you would do nothing. If you turn on the TV, it is because you want to watch TV. If you eat, it is because you are hungry. Unfortunately, like a lot of things, there is good and bad motivation. As Christians where should our motivation come from? What is our motivation? These questions, if answered correctly, can greatly impact our spiritual life and those around us. So let’s discuss the motivation of Christianity.

Before we begin, we must first define motivation. Motivation is essentially a drive. It is something or someone that moves you to take an action. So as Christians, what is our motivation? Our foundation for motivation must be Christ. If it is not, we are already down the wrong path. Philippians 2:5 states, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus..”. Look also at 1 Peter 2:21, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.” Both point back to Jesus Christ. We should have the same mindset as Christ and follow his example he left for us. Christ is our motivation. 1 Peter 2:21 says we have been called for the “purpose” of following his example. That’s why we have motivation. Motivation is what moves us. Purpose is why that particular motivation moves us.  

But where does this motivation come from? What is our purpose? As Christians we have many purposes for being on this earth. One of them, and this should be one of the most important ones, is serving Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Whatever we do, we must serve Christ. Another purpose is to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” It is interesting because these two go hand in hand. If we serve Christ, aren’t we glorifying God? And if we are glorifying God, we must be serving Christ. That’s the beauty of having the Son of God as our Savior.

We must be careful not to have the wrong motivation. Remember God knows our motivation, whether good or evil. “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” He knows what we think and feel.

In conclusion, our motivation should come from Christ. He should be the foundation of our motivation (1 Corinthians 3:11). If we live to serve Christ and glorify God, our path will be in line with our goal. The goal of heaven.