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

  • Eat This Book, Eugene Peterson +

    Eugene Peterson’s book, Eat This Book gets its name from Revelation 10:9-10 when John asks for the scroll containing God’s Read More
  • Martin Luther’s Quiet Time, Walter Trobisch +

    Martin Luther had a barber named Peter Beskendorf who asked his world-famous customer and doctor of theology, "Dr. Luther, how Read More
  • Storytelling +

    Eugene Peterson discusses his influences as a writer, as well as how and why he created the Message translation. This Read More
  • Life as an Alien +

    Timothy Keller, the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC, provides an inspiring portrayal of what the church is supposed Read More
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Hidden Blessings

  • Separated Unto the Holy Ghost (Andrew Murray) +

    Below is chapter 3 from the book, Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray, a South African "Now there were in the Read More
  • The Human Body and Spiritual Growth: Dallas Willard +

    In Christian Educator's Handbook on Spiritual Formation, edited by James Wilhoit of Wheaton College. "Spiritual formation" is the process through Read More
  • January 28 Devotional: Oswald Chambers +

    Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? —Acts 26:14 Read More
  • Coupla Things by Julie Moore +

    It has occurred to me that maybe more people would read my blog if the posts were shorter. I'm not Read More
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