Motivation is a multifaceted matter. How are people motivated? What motivates people to do or not to do certain things? Marketing firms exist and prosper because people are not uniformly motivated in the same ways but each person is unique. So, how are Christians motivated? More specifically, what motivates you as a Christian?
As Christians, each of us is a member of the Lord’s body (universally), and God’s design is for each of us to be a member of a local congregation (cf. Acts 9:26). When Jesus commanded, “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33), His vision was not only to the church/kingdom universal but also to the individual congregation of which each Christian would be a member. What is it that motivates you as a member of a local church of Christ?
When you consider the events and activities planned by the local congregation (of which you are a member) each week, month and year, how do you determine which activities you will attend and in which you will participate? You know that there are worship services every Sunday; you know there are at least two Bible classes planned every week. What motivates you to attend and participate? Why do elders, preachers and fellow members need to try to motivate you? When you look at your local congregation’s calendar of events and see a Gospel Meeting, a lectureship, a special weekend seminar, a congregation-wide activity, what motivates you to attend and participate? Must elders, preachers and fellow church members try to motivate you to be there and be involved?
There is no doubt that each Christian has a responsibility to “exhort” (Heb. 3:13), “encourage” (1 Thess. 5:11), “stir up” (Heb. 10:24) and even “admonish one another” (Rom. 15:14). In addition, preachers have a responsibility to “exhort” (2 Tim. 4:2), “remind” (2 Tim. 2:14), “charge” (2 Tim. 2:14) and “reprove” (2 Tim. 4:2). Scripture also affirms that elders are “over [us] in the Lord” and “admonish” us (1 Thess. 5:12), that they “rule over” us and “watch out for [our] souls” (Heb. 13:17). Thus, we should not become frustrated or angry when elders, preachers or fellow Christians do try to motivate us, but why do they need to motivate you?
Does “the love of Christ” compel you (2 Cor. 5:14)? Does “the love of God” move you (1 John 4:7-19; 5:1-4)? Does “love for the church” propel you (1 Cor. 10:31-33)? Does your “pattern of works” influence you (Tit. 2:7)? Does “working out your own salvation” energize you (Phil. 2:12-13)? Does “seeking first the kingdom” drive you (Matt. 6:33)? Do “the eyes of the Lord” invigorate you (Prov. 15:3)? Does “the eternal home in heaven” persuade you at all (2 Cor. 5:1-11)?