Motivation

Motivated By God's love

All that we do should be motivated by God's love (Ephesians 5:1-2).

How does that look like in a practical way?

E.g. Because God has loved me so much, I will be consistent in praying, reading the Bible, fasting and being in community with other believers- as an act of worship and gratitude.

Because God has loved me so much that He gave me the gift of life, I will be industrious and productive, that I may not only improve my lives but other lives as well- as an act of worship and gratitude.

Because God has loved me so much, that He gave me a ministry, I will be excellent in my ministry- as an act of worship and gratitude.

Because God has loved me so much that He gave me a job, I will be productive, responsible, industrious and excellent- as an act of worship and gratitude.

Notice I didn't say we should diminish our innate aggression, ambition and drive- as males.

But I directed us to what our source of motivation should be- the love of God.

When we act from the love of God, we are able to cultivate our innate traits and express them in a way that glorifies God

We have a template- The Scriptures, which warn us of the works of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16-26; Ephesians 4:21-32; Colossians 3:8-10

Notice as we are focusing on Christ we aren't being stagnant or passive.

We are progressing but without comparing ourselves to other people, without competing with other people, without bringing other people down, without sabotaging other people etc.