Christ-Centered Motivation: Why We Do What We Do
Why humans do what they do is a subject for scientific and psychological study, and no doubt millions of pages have been written over the years, much of which is far beyond my intelligence, field of study, or purpose for sharing these thoughts. To state it simply, many would conclude that heredity (how we are hard wired by our DNA though our parents and ancestors) and environment (where and how we were raised and the influences in our lives) are the primary contributors in our becoming what we are.
To say it another way, both observation and common sense would suggest that we often do what we do out of imitation of what we have seen in others, out of direct or indirect influence from people, media, the society around us (learned or imitated behavior), or by instinct or inclination; just because it “feels” like we want to do it. The whole subject is a little complicated.
However, that’s not what I’m talking about here. My purpose is to focus on our lives lived out as Christians, followers of Christ, and I’m more interested in our motivation for doing what we do. Verses such as Matthew 6:33 (“seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness”), I Corinthians 10:31 (“do all for the glory of God”), Colossians 3:17 (“whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”), and Philippians 3:13-14 (“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”) point us toward living for the One who created us and redeemed us, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Within the framework of our ultimate purpose for living, I see several things that motivate us:
- our calling
- our desires, inclination, and interests
- our gifting (spiritual gifts)
- our spontaneous response to opportunities that arise
- our commitment to the duties and responsibilities of life
God, our Creator, has made us each unique, distinct from anyone else, and has placed in us natural gifts, talents, and abilities, as well as the inclination to use them. Also, as a result of our union with Christ in the new birth, the Holy Spirit within us has given us one or more spiritual gifts. This creative gifting has much to do with our doing what we do. (Ephesians 4:8; Romans 12:6-8; I Corinthians 12:8-10; Ephesians 4:11-13.)
Then there are the opportunities, the spontaneous arising of a moment, a circumstance, a situation, in which we react and do something. Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” (See I Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17)
Obviously, too, there are roles in life that bring responsibilities; childhood and adolescence, being a student, a spouse, a parent, and employee, etc.
A caution at this point: wanting to do something and being able to accomplish it are two different things. An 80-year-old with macular degeneration can’t fly a plane. A teen can’t perform heart surgery. I was a backyard, local outdoor court, pickup basketball aficionado who played for over 50 years. There was never a moment in which I could have tried out for, much less made, an NBA team!
It’s at this point that I want to caution us to be sure to always examine our heart, our motivation for doing things for Christ. Jesus said in Matthew 6 that we should not give alms, pray, or fast to be seen by men; that is, not for human applause or approval. In fact, Paul cautions us to “esteem others as better than ourselves,” (Romans 12:3; Philippians 2:1-4)
Perhaps you’ve heard one or more of these old adages:
“You know you’re a servant if you’re treated like one and it doesn’t bother you.” Humility over pride. Quietly getting the job done without seeking or secretly hoping for recognition.
“Waiters serve, so serve while you wait.” As we “wait” for His return, let’s stay busy serving.
“Paul, a servant (Greek “doulos”, “slave”) of Jesus Christ.” How many times in the New Testament does the great Apostle Paul self-identify as a servant?
“It doesn’t matter who gets the credit, just so God gets the glory.” Yes!
I pray that God will enable me to be content operating “behind the scenes,” seeking no earthly glory or recognition. To be content playing “second fiddle.” The first violinist stands out in an orchestra, but the harmony comes when the second violinist joins in. A favorite gospel singing group of mine features a powerful soprano singing lead on nearly all the songs they do. Her sister has sung alto beside her for over thirty years, faithful bringing the harmony. In the local church, I think of the nursery workers who care for the infants and toddlers, and others who remain behind the scenes. The intercessors (“prayer warriors”) who lift up others to the Throne of God.
And if God in His infinite plan and divine wisdom does thrust us into a prominent, high-profile role? Then “Do all for the glory of God.” David, from a shepherd boy to Israel’s second king. Peter, from a Galilean fisherman with a pronounced regional accent, to the apostle to the Jews who preaches on Pentecost and sees 3,000 saved.
A passage from Luke 17 that talks about “Unprofitable servants” and a memory from the life of Mabel “Mom” Willey in 1996 provide instruction, and illustration, and a conclusion to these “rambling” thoughts.
Mabel “Mom” Willey, veteran pioneer missionary along with her husband Thomas H. (Pop) Willey to Cuba in the 1940s and 1950s served the Lord faithfully, creatively, and passionately for 60 years. In 1996, nearing the end of her earthly life and in declining health (she went to be with the Lord in January 1998), Mabel Willey was honored during the Wednesday night missionary service at the National Association of Free Will Baptists annual convention, which was held that year in Ft. Worth, TX.
The denomination and the crowd present that night gave tribute to Mrs. Willey for her years of dedicated ministry. Ninety-one years old, officially retired for two decades by then, but still active in women’s groups, speaking in churches; a teacher, counselor, mentor, and close personal friend to many people. Even in her 70s and 80s she would speak of “going to visit the old people,” and in many cases they were much younger than she! She was equally at home in a Bible study with a group of teens and college age students in her apartment when she served in Panama.
That night in Ft. Worth, Texas as her name was called and the testimonial to her decades of ministry was read, the love, deep respect and appreciation, and thunderous applause of her denomination echoed through the convention hall. I was privileged to walk with her, her arm through mine, as she approached the pulpit, as she was by that time somewhat unsteady on her feet. What a moment!
A few days later, she sent me a note about how special that moment was for her. She said, “All I could think of was the words of Jesus concerning the servant who works all day in the field and then serves his master’s dinner before eating himself: “we are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10)
Finally, an ironic twist. While we seek to have a servant’s attitude, a humble spirit, and a concerned and compassionate heart in all we do – and it goes without saying that this is so important – it’s overwhelming to read in John 15:14-15 that Jesus tells His disciples that He will no longer call them “servants.” They are His friends. We are humble servants, but we’re also His friends! What a privilege, like Abraham, to be called a friend of God! (Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23)
- Christ-Centered Motivation: Why We Do What We Do - January 15, 2026
- Choosing and Choices - March 11, 2025
- Seasons of the Soul - January 14, 2025
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