BEING MOTIVATED

 

September 3, 2024

Dear God, let me seek and find you in this place of prayer. May your presence become so clear to me that I will also recognize you in all the places I may be today. Amen

Hebrews 10:24 (New Living Translation)

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works”

The last couple of weeks we have been thinking together about the Bible’s teaching regarding “one-anothering”. We want to continue to look at this biblical theme, and let the “searchlight” of God’s Holy Spirit speak to us and give us understanding so that we can be fine examples of “one-Anothering.”



Today we are focusing our attention on Hebrews 10:24 which says as you just read, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works” (NLT). Acts of love can be challenging and time-consuming, and good deeds may sometimes be emotionally taxing and inconvenient. It's not uncommon to feel weary when loving certain individuals becomes difficult; they may let you down, make poor choices, and seem to take advantage of your kindness. This can lead to a sense of fatigue from continuously showing them love and kindness. Over time, this weariness can extend to a general feeling of exhaustion from loving others and doing good.

This is why the Bible says things like Galatians 6:9, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (NLT). Sometimes doing the right thing, saying the right thing, being kind, forgiving, patient, generous, and loving is hard work. If you haven’t already, you will face a day when you need someone to come along and motivate you to keep “doing what is good.” That’s what I invite us to think about this week as we look at some Biblical principles about motivating one another.


We will start with this, motivating one another involves concentration. The Bible says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works” (NLT). The term "think" (katanoeo) refers to the act of focusing one's mind on something, to observe or consider with care and attention. It involves studying and examining closely, which requires concentration.

When it comes to effectively motivating others, consider adopting this method that I have found quite beneficial. It's a thoughtful way to become someone who inspires those around them. Reflect on these questions with me.

What motivates her or him?
What are their strengths? What are their weaknesses?
What’s the best way to motivate them?
What discourages them? What encourages them?
Who would be the best person to talk to them?
Why are they not inspired?
How do we inspire them?

With information about the person you are wanting to motivate, you think “of ways” to motivate them.

Talk to them.
Pray for them. Pray with them.
Introduce them to someone who is doing what they need to do.
Do they need something to help them to do what they need to do.

Do not misunderstand what the phrase “let us think of ways” implies. It is really about developing ways or approaches to motivate another believer to experience victory in their life and to grow and experience what God intends for them. 

So, go back over those questions and ask God to speak into your mind and heart who he might have you inspire toward fully experiencing all that God has for them.

LET US PRAY 

God help me to remember that:
We are pilgrims on a journey; we are travelers on the road.
We are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load. Amen.