Our Motivation in Life

As an authentic Born Again Believer, our motivation in life comes from one of four sources: the flesh, the world, the devil or God's Spirit. At times, it is hard to discern which one is influencing our thoughts, emotions, desires and actions. We can discover the source of our motivation by checking on our responses to the situation.

Are our thoughts, words and actions mirroring the fruit of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) or the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)? Negative emotions and behavior are definite clues that the flesh, the world or the devil is influencing us, rather than the Spirit (1 John 2:16). Fleshly conduct and demonic oppression in a Believer is the direct result of not walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:15-18).

When we recognize that we are out of the Spirit, we can confess our thoughts and behavior as sin, and ask our Father to renew a right spirit in us (Psalm 51:10). God is always quick to forgive us and to empower us with His Holy Spirit. Once we turn away from our carnal behavior and seek the Lord's direction, He enables us to make amends to anyone we hurt, while we operated in the flesh.

We walk in the Spirit as we stay connected to the Spirit throughout the day. He will direct each moment and everything included in it, if we seek Him first (Matthew 6:33). The more we rely on the Spirit, the more victory we have over the flesh, the world and the devil (Ephesians 2:1-10). We are no longer motivated by worldly success, the balance of our bank account, or the number and type of our friends, but by God.

Prayer:

Father God, remind us that we are an extension of Christ on the earth (John 14:12). We walk in obedience to You to the best of our ability, relying on the Holy Spirit to keep us on the straight and narrow and in the center of Your will (Matthew 7:13-14; John 14:15). Thank You for forgiving our shortcomings and inspiring us to focus on the eternal, rather the earthly aspects of our life. We want all that we think, say and do to bring You glory (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Thought for the Day:

Do not make plans; consult the Lord and follow His desire for every moment of your day. - Proverbs 3:5-6

Inner Light

It is possible to know about the Lord and to walk in obedience to His precepts; yet still walk in darkness, because you are not Born Again by His Spirit (Isaiah 50:10). We can live with a mental understanding of God, without a personal relationship with Him. Even those who walk victoriously in God’s presence may lose their faith from time to time, especially if God suddenly interrupts His blessings as He did with Job. We think that God is mad at us or not sovereign after all.

When we gauge our spiritual connection by our outward circumstances, we often grow disheartened. This leads to wallowing in the darkness of depression and discouragement. However, this will only happen if we depend more upon the provision than the Provider. When we seek God’s supply rather than His presence. Actually, God’s blessings do not depend on our position with Him, because they come to the unjust as well as to the just (Matthew 5:44-45; Psalm 37).

However, only those who persevere to the end will receive the prize of the high calling of God (Matthew 24:13; Philippians 3:14). This has nothing to do with material blessings and everything to do with enjoying God’s presence in our life moment by moment throughout the day. We can live in a den of squalor or in a state of homelessness, and still have the full blessings of God on our life. Worldly success is no indication of God’s favor; even the vilest of human beings often live in the lap of luxury.

God’s blessings are spiritual and often overflow into the physical realm; however, earthly treasure is not an automatic outcome of living for Christ. Believers in third world countries are no less blessed than Americans living in the lap of luxury. In fact, they live the blessing of a much simpler life, unencumbered by the cares of this world. They need not toil or sweat to keep up with their neighbor or to have the best and the most, which money can buy.

Once we call out to God in our sinful state and completely surrender our life into His protection and provision, we can know without a doubt that He will supply all of our needs according to His abundant riches (Philippians 4:19). The next time God pulls the rug out from under you, and you land in an unbecoming pose, remember that you are always sheltered in the everlasting arms of God. There is no calamity, which can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39).

 

Prayer:
Father God, You give us both the desire and the strength to work out our own salvation (Philippians 2:12-13). You comfort and direct us through Your Spirit within and Your Word without. Your joy is our strength and You give us hope by Your presence in our life, even in the most discouraging of experiences. Help us to persevere until the end of our days, so that we can receive the crown of life (James 1:12).

Thought for the Day:
God leads us through the darkness by His inner Light within us. - John 8:12