Motivated Spirituality

olive_trunk_500What motivates me? Often it is pleasure—reading a good book, skiing, playing with the kids, sex, even work. I enjoy it. It is self-satisfying. Sometimes it is fear—peer pressure, criticism, and guilt to name a few. Maybe I am motivated to gain something—prestige, money, pride, or power. Sometimes I have to. I can’t avoid it—earn a living, or managing the household and kids.

But what motivates me to seek an intimate relationship with God? Is it the beauty of his creation—the flowers, diversity of life, the Grand Canyon or Rockies? Is it the things he has provided for me—my job, a wonderful spouse, good health, kids? Or am I motivated by fear? He might punish me if I don’t live right. Maybe I am looking for a reward. If I live right, how will God reward me? Most all these factors at one time or another has probably motivated us.

So is there a motivational difference between our living activities and knowing God better? Yes! It begins by recognizing the immeasurable power, presence, and knowledge of God. We are created and finite. He is uncreated and infinite. We tend to think in the present. He is eternal. Because we receive unmerited love, we learn how to love. We discover purpose in life because he teaches us there is purpose beyond death. We have hope! Our motivations change from self-satisfaction and self-interest to obeying God and glorifying Him. But this takes time, effort, and discipline. Like any human relationship, we must persevere in our efforts—that is Motivated Spirituality!

Motivated Audio & Video

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Reflections to Consider

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Motivated Publications

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Publications

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Motivated Music

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Music

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Motivated Reflection

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Audio & Video

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Favorites

  • Witnesses for Jesus by Tim Keller (Mark 15) +

    Tim Keller discusses the significance of the women and men who saw Jesus die, buried, and resurrected.  Read More
  • Prayer-bringing light into darkness by NT Wright +

    NT Wright discusses the importance of prayer in maintaining a relationship with Jesus. Read More
  • After darkness, light-the reformation by Michael Reeves +

    Michael Reeves discusses the transformative power of bringing Jesus to the world at the heart of the Reformation. Read More
  • The Esther Option-Living in a fallen world by Mike Cosper +

    The following is an excerpt from an article on The Gospel Coalition website. Read More
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Hidden Blessings

  • Falling in Love With God +

    “falling in love with God,” as Boa’s subtitle for the facet explains. In this approach we attempt to enter into Read More
  • One Holy Fire, Nicky Cruz +

    The introduction to One Holy Fire, Let the Spirit Ignite Your Soul establishes Cruz’s desire to awaken the passion and Read More
  • Transformed +

    Webster defines devotion as “love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity or cause.” How do we fall in love Read More
  • A Christ-Life Through Spiritual Alignment +

    A Christ-Life Through Spiritual Alignment Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. Read More
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