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

  • Praise Adonai by Paul Baloche +

    Who is like Him The Lion and the Lamb Seated on the throne Mountains bow down Every ocean roars To the Lord of hosts  Read More
  • An Interview with Paul Washer by Tim Challies +

    You probably know Paul Washer as the man who preached the infamous "Shocking Youth Message," a sermon that has tallied Read More
  • Glorious by Paul Baloche +

    Look inside the mysterySee the empty crossSee the risen SaviorVictorious and strong Read More
  • Paul's Prayers +

    How do we pray? What should we pray for? Yes, there is the Lord's prayer--Jesus teaching his disciples, and us, Read More
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Hidden Blessings

  • Joy Will Find A Way: Bruce Cockburn +

    Bruce Cockburn’s song Joy Will Find A Way describes the way joy from love can transform one’s life. make me Read More
  • Shepherd's Joy by Luther Jackson Middle School Advanced Chorus +

    Read More
  • Joy to the World! by Surfjan Stevens +

    Joy to the World , the Lord is come!Let earth receive her King;Let every heart prepare Him room,And Heaven and nature Read More
  • The joy of the Lord is my strength by Douglas Miller +

    The joy of the LORD is my strengthThe joy of the LORD is my strengthThe joy of the LORD is Read More
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