MOTIVATORS

For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure – Philippians 2:13

A MOTIVATOR is a force or influence – personal or otherwise – that causes someone to do something. MOTIVES refer to needs, desires, wants, or drives within individuals which influence their behaviour or actions. MOTIVATION is therefore the process of stimulating people to action and accomplishment of goals. Motivation could be Intrinsic or Extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is internally-driven; while extrinsic motivation derives from external rewards and ‘reinforcers’ such as profit, praise, awards or recognition. Whatever or whoever drives you to do what you are doing is your MOTIVATOR. These can also be described as your encouragers, enhancers, influencers or stimulators.

Although each of us can benefit uniquely from human motivators, God is the Master Motivator. His Will is to motivate us: to get closer to Him, to focus, to make moves, to take steps, to walk, march, run or soar, to decide and follow up on decisions, to change, to break through barriers, to cross over, to advance, to launch forth, to press into life’s assignments, to achieve goals, and to attain new levels and heights. God, either directly or through the agency of other human beings, produces positive, powerful motivation through faith, hope, and love (1Cor.13:13). Motivation is essentially driven by words in the forms of compliments, commendation, encouragement, and positive reinforcement. These could be complemented by rewards and profit. Satan de-motivates through discouragement, fear, intimidation, manipulation, pressures, and stress.

Other important biblical channels of motivation include the following:

• Appreciation: Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones (Pro.16:24).

• Positive Partnership: He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed (Pro.13:20).

• Faithful Friendship: As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend (Pro.27:17).

• Meaningful Mentorship: But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached  boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus (Acts 9:27).

• Visualizing the Destination: Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb.12:1-2).

• Expectation of Reward: Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions… (Jh.14:1).

• Clear Vision and Goals: For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry (Hab.2:2)

• Inspired books, speeches or music: Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come – and the books, especially the parchments (2Tim.4:13).

God motivates us through the Ministry of His Word and the Inspiration of the Indwelling Holy Spirit – our Helper, Partner, and Strengthener. The Master Motivator works IN us, both to desire and to accomplish His good pleasure (Phil.2:13). The intrinsic motivation through His Word and His Spirit in us is primary, while other external means of motivation are secondary.