“What motivates you to do what you do?” This question from a friend triggered thoughts back to my childhood. As a 13 year-old morning newspaper delivery boy, thoughts of money in my pocket motivated me every morning at 5 am.

Motivations have differed throughout my life. Noble aspirations such as love and service have at times prompted my actions. However, less noble ambitions such as personal gain and recognition have also stirred my heart. Any of these motivations are intricately connected to my beliefs about God and my heart’s condition before Him. So what motivates my heart?

Recently I have had an increasing understanding of the incredible price paid by Jesus on my behalf. With my deepening awareness, how could anything but appreciation, gratitude and thankfulness be at the heart of my motivation to follow Jesus?

The Apostle Paul said it well for me,

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7 NIV)

Will you join me this week in an overflowing of gratitude for God’s payment of our debt? Remembering His loving payment on our behalf will move us, impel us, rouse us and stir us to follow the One who loves us so!!

 

Sharing the journey with you,

Bob Snyder