bits from bob....
Motivations in Ministry
by Robert J. Young
©, 2003, Robert J. Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]
Motivation is a slippery slope! Why do we do what we do? What if we have dual motives? Is one automatically impure? Are our ministries self-serving or others-serving? Are we looking inward or outward? How can we sincerely respond to God's great love for us which has been demonstrated in Christ Jesus? Consider four motivations.
- 1. We have received a call from above. God has called you. God wants you. God has initiated the relationship. Christ died for you. Grace abounds to overcome abounding sin. Listen to God. Hear God. Obey God. He calls you; he calls us; he calls our world.
- 2. If we listen carefully, there is a call from below. Satan is real. Hell is certain for those outside of Christ. All motivation is not positive in Scripture. Avoidance is acceptable, necessary. I am motivated by what I don't want to happen to me. I am motivated by what I do not want to happen to others.
- 3. We receive a call from without. Listen to the souls around you. Listen to the hurt, the uncertainty. See the lack of purpose, lack of meaning, lack of hope. Jesus is the answer. Who will tell them? How will them know?
- 4. A call comes from within. Listen to your heart; listen to your soul. Can you hear it?
Listen! Then answer. Who will go? Who will do the work? We will!
"To the work, to the work, we are servants of God."
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Last updated October 9, 2003.