Topical Bible: Motivation

◄ Motivation ►

Jump to: Topical • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Importance
Motivation, in a biblical context, refers to the inner drive or reason behind actions, thoughts, and behaviors. It is the force that compels individuals to pursue goals, make decisions, and engage in activities. In Scripture, motivation is often linked to the heart's intentions and is crucial in determining the righteousness of one's actions. The Bible emphasizes that God examines the heart and the motives behind actions, not just the actions themselves.

Biblical Insights on Motivation
The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature of motivation and its significance in the life of a believer. Proverbs 16:2 states, "All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed by the LORD." This verse highlights that while humans may justify their actions, God discerns the true intentions behind them.

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of motivation in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:1, He warns, "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." Here, Jesus underscores the importance of performing good deeds with the right motives, not for human approval but for God's glory.

Examples of Motivation in Scripture
1. Positive Motivation: The Apostle Paul serves as a prime example of positive motivation. In Philippians 3:14, he declares, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." Paul's motivation was rooted in his desire to fulfill God's calling and to attain the eternal reward promised by God.

2. Negative Motivation: Conversely, the Pharisees often exemplified negative motivation. In Matthew 23:5, Jesus criticizes them, saying, "All their deeds are done for men to see." Their actions were motivated by a desire for public recognition rather than genuine devotion to God.

Motivation and the Heart
The Bible frequently associates motivation with the condition of the heart. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse suggests that the heart's condition directly influences one's motivations and, consequently, one's actions.

Jeremiah 17:9-10 further elaborates on this connection: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve." This passage indicates that God not only understands the complexities of the human heart but also evaluates the motivations that arise from it.

Motivation in Service and Worship
In Christian service and worship, motivation plays a critical role. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs believers, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage encourages believers to serve with sincerity and dedication, motivated by a desire to honor Christ rather than seeking human accolades.

Conclusion
While the Bible does not provide a single, comprehensive definition of motivation, it offers profound insights into the importance of having pure and godly motives. Believers are called to examine their hearts and ensure that their motivations align with God's will, seeking to glorify Him in all aspects of life.

Topical Bible Verses

Philippians 3:12-14
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Topicalbible.org

Library

How Man's Activity Should be Purely in the Intellect and not in ...
... playing with the products of the imagination and the senses, and holds to them,
it is obvious that he has not yet emerged from the motivation and limitations ...
/.../albert/on cleaving to god/chapter 4 how mans activity.htm

Chapter xiii
... unsuitable material as early as possible. Behind the outward separation
ties a deeper motivation. At the same time, this incident ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiii.htm

Meekness and Rest
... So-called "society" runs by a motivation not higher than this, and the poorer classes
on their level are little better. Let no one smile this off. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tozer/the pursuit of god/ix meekness and rest.htm

Introduction
... One need not and perhaps should not further analyse the motivation of the smile,
which is the smile the sophisticated must always have for the I. The I is ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/introduction.htm

Chapter xxx
... dictionaries. KW gives Glueck as the meaning for both. Only, of course, the
motivation of the name must needs be a bit different. Here ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxx.htm

Chapter xlvii
... he says besides: "I would lie with my fathers." With men of strong faith, such as
the patriarchs had, such petitions would have a deep and worthy motivation. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvii.htm

Chapter xxv
... Otherwise we can hardly believe that Jacob would have made this special request
without further motivation, or that Esau would have consented to the bargain ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm