Friday, November 3, 2017
1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.
MOTIVATION FOR THE DAY
Are you feeling motivated today, or maybe not so much? It makes a difference in your whole outlook. If you're motivated, you have a purpose and goal in mind. Chances are, you'll get a lot done. You'll make good use of your time. You'll see the day as worthwhile.
But where do you find that motivation? Money may motivate a person to put in 40 hours at the job. Fear of a fine might motivate a driver to stay within the speed limit on the freeway. A holiday trip could motivate us to catch up on household chores before the weekend. But what if those motivations lose their effectiveness? Have you ever found yourself asking, "So what? What difference does it make?" Many people at one time or another feel a profound lack of motivation, because they don't see any real meaning and significance to their time on earth.
When you need motivation to get out of bed and get going, think of what motivated Jesus. Why did He become man and live here on earth? Why did He put up with a very plain kind of life without all the luxuries we take for granted? Why did He endure the persecution of His enemies and finally even allow them to crucify Him, when He could have summoned legions of angels to defend Him? It wasn't money, possessions, prestige, power or any other personal advantage. His motive was pure love. "Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2).
Need motivation and purpose? Look to Christ's incredible love for you. By faith the Spirit has planted that love in your heart and given you the joy of forgiveness and the certainty of eternal life. Because of His love, you have a purpose and goal. "Live a life of love," Paul urges (Ephesians 5:2). "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19).
Whether at work or school, enjoying a long weekend with friends, or just taking care of things at home, there will always be opportunities to put Jesus' love into practice in forgiveness, kindness, helpfulness, and patience. That makes every day worthwhile.
