The Importance of Motivation

Recently I was presented with several ministry opportunities but not motivated to actively pursue any of them. A question came to my mind. “What is your motivation for ministry?” So I began to do a Bible study on the subject. Let me ask you the same question. What motivates your ministry activity? What are the incentives, the driving forces, and stimulations for your ministry? Is it fear, rivalry, envy, selfish ambition, anger, hatred or the love of Christ? Is it the desire for fame, wealth, knowledge, supremacy, revenge, or is it to please the Lord and to give glory to God?

While man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Corinthians 5:12 – 16). People around us and in our churches may be impressed with the size of our ministry, accomplishments or with the gifts and abilities God has given us. But what does God think of what is going on in our hearts? What really matteres? We may face times of discouragement because of the lack of outward results. But are we faithful in our hearts to try to please the Lord in our ministry? God sees our hearts and requires pure motives in our ministry and religious activity (Matthew 6:1 – 8) and they will one day be brought to light and judged by the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:9,10; Romans 2:16).

The apostle Paul summarized his motivation for ministry when he said; “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:14,15,20,21 NIV).

My prayer is; “Lord Jesus help us to remember all you did for us on the cross to save us from our sins and give us a heart of love like yours to minister to the people around us for your glory.”

Bruce Ingram
ACTION Pastoral Leadership Development Team