Sermon On Motivation

Taylor Swift, an American singer-songwriter once remarked: "I just want you to know that if you are out there and you are being really hard on yourself right now for something that has happened ... it's normal. That is what is going to happen to you in life. No one gets through unscathed. We are all going to have a few scratches on us. Please be kind to yourselves and stand up for yourself, please." Psalm 34:17-20 confirms: “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.”

Motivation is defined as a reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way. It may supplant or encourage a personal incentive, stimulus or inducement to accomplish a particular task or goal in life, especially after a considered failure or heartbreak. Motivation is considered a form of self-help back to normality. It comes from within. Encouragement from others may help significantly, but the final triumph is only attained through one’s own determination. Life often presents a variety of obstacles to prevent or hinder progress. That is a normal part of existence, but, a person’s motivation can become the necessary professional tool to succeed. If we do not try, we can’t expect to flourish.

Every person is unique with individual qualities. Whereas one may fail in a particular task or intention, simply from lack of knowledge, ability or confidence, another may instinctively hold the key to success. Approach and self-assurance feature prominently in this dedication. However, motivation can sometimes require additional courage, strength or fortitude to maintain the necessary power and stamina to succeed. This is where God can help significantly in our endeavors.

Isaiah 40:28-31 confirms: “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

Motivation may encounter many different emotions as we strive to accomplish. We may experience an element of fear, uncertainty or even heartbreak from particular stumbling blocks. However, the trials of life are such that sometimes improvement can still be reached even in times of weakness with commitment. Determination to succeed can become the overriding factor in any adversity presented. It is that alone that provides the food and sustenance to sustain and endure. James 1:12-18 reminds us: “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”

Apart from sporting activities, motivation should not usually be dependent on speed. If one tries to hurry an accomplishment, then the chances of failure may increase. Rushing can obliviate the seemingly obvious which may induce flaws. The overriding factor is to reach the conclusion at the right pace in life, having taken into consideration, all possible eventualities or circumstances.

Belief in one’s ability remains of paramount importance, but stringent exercising of self-control can mean the difference between failure or success. Joshua 1:9 confirms: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Some may only hope or dream about perfection in life and yet fear the prospect of personally attempting to aid any improvement. This achieves nothing but static immobilization. Progress can not occur unless positive action is attempted. It may take courage, it may take perseverance, perhaps even an element of sufferance, but the satisfaction gleaned from achievement can be overwhelming and extremely rewarding.