“People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily." - Zig Ziglar
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible" - Walt Disney
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
"Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it."
— Dwight Eisenhower
Regardless of who is doing the motivation, we all have reasons for the things we do. 1n 1992, Bryan Adams was motivated by a monetary
remuneration contract with a movie studio to provide a song for their
movie (he got paid to do what he loves to do).....roll tape!
(EverythingIDo) I Do It For You Bryan Adams
In 1983, Canadian Bryan Adams had catapulted onto the music scene with his 3rd album, Cuts Like A Knife. In 1992, he released the single "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You". In that 10 years, he would amass Billboard chart success as well as Grammy, Juno (the Canadian equivalent to the Grammys), and MTV music awards. The movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves would give him the exposure for his biggest song ever. "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" spent 7 weeks on the US charts and an unprecedented 16 weeks on the UK charts. It sold 8 million copies as a single and allowed Bryan Adams continued success for years to come. As is portrayed on the screen, the song details the willingness of the hero to do anything for his true love. If you listen carefully, you can hear the music for the song permeating through the movie soundtrack. With his band of Merry Men, Robin Hood was ultimately motivated by his love for Maid Marion to do all of his astounding feats.
Love is a huge motivating factor. The ultimate display of love is found in the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, you are constantly reminded of the patient love that God shows to His creation. Through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we can visibly see that love on display. What is God's motivation? He wants a relationship with His creation. Because of the sin that we commit, that relationship is broken. He sent Jesus to provide a way of restoration. Time and again, throughout the Bible, we see God as a patient father desiring restoration and providing pathways to reclamation. What is our part in the relationship once we have accepted this free gift?
Ephesians chapter 2 details the response we should have to Jesus' sacrifice.....good works. What does that mean? Let's take a look:
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus so that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:1-10 NIV
(EverythingIDo) I Do It For You Bryan Adams
In 1983, Canadian Bryan Adams had catapulted onto the music scene with his 3rd album, Cuts Like A Knife. In 1992, he released the single "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You". In that 10 years, he would amass Billboard chart success as well as Grammy, Juno (the Canadian equivalent to the Grammys), and MTV music awards. The movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves would give him the exposure for his biggest song ever. "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" spent 7 weeks on the US charts and an unprecedented 16 weeks on the UK charts. It sold 8 million copies as a single and allowed Bryan Adams continued success for years to come. As is portrayed on the screen, the song details the willingness of the hero to do anything for his true love. If you listen carefully, you can hear the music for the song permeating through the movie soundtrack. With his band of Merry Men, Robin Hood was ultimately motivated by his love for Maid Marion to do all of his astounding feats.
Love is a huge motivating factor. The ultimate display of love is found in the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, you are constantly reminded of the patient love that God shows to His creation. Through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we can visibly see that love on display. What is God's motivation? He wants a relationship with His creation. Because of the sin that we commit, that relationship is broken. He sent Jesus to provide a way of restoration. Time and again, throughout the Bible, we see God as a patient father desiring restoration and providing pathways to reclamation. What is our part in the relationship once we have accepted this free gift?
Ephesians chapter 2 details the response we should have to Jesus' sacrifice.....good works. What does that mean? Let's take a look:
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus so that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:1-10 NIV
This passage plainly explains that our salvation is not because of anything we do, but we do good things because of our salvation. The Message paraphrase has an interesting take on this passage as well. You can read it here:
Ephesians 2:1-10 The Message
You should notice that salvation is the motivating factor behind our good works. Jesus saves us and our reaction to that salvation is doing good works. Our gratitude for Jesus' gift serves as the impetus behind the things we do. Through our actions, we serve as an example to others of how redeemed and restored people behave. Peter describes this as us becoming a "peculiar" people. It is a catalyst unlike any the world has ever seen. It causes us to pause and reflect on our life experiences and understand that our lives have been in preparation for those good works that God has planned for us and only us to do. With each passing day and each "good work", we become more like Jesus.
As a member of the body of Christ, there is no better place than His church to begin those good works. If you are not currently a member of a local church, pray about it and ask God to lead you where He would have you serve.. Good works are not limited to the walls of the church, but most of the time the local church allows a safe and encouraging environment for good works to start. By getting in the habit of using your gifts, skills, and abilities at a church, you should find utilizing them outside of the church becomes significantly easier. As those good works are completed, you will soon see opportunities to continue to show love to others through what you can do for them. Love, not obligation, serves as the motivator. Then in faith, we leave whatever results may happen from our actions up to God. We do the works, God takes care of the results..... here's how Keith Green explains it:
Keith Green He'll Take Care Of The Rest
Paul expounds on this motivation in Colossians 3, where he is talking about keeping the love of Jesus in our homes. In verse 23 Paul says:
"Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men," Colossians 3:23 - HCSB
I think the Bryan Adams translation would read, "Ya know it's true....everything I do...I do it for you."
'Til Tuesday
Loving HIM by loving you,
Randy
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