𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

The Christian life is all about heart transformation. God has given His children a new life with a new nature and new desires. Our motivation in service is now from an inward desire to glorify God by giving Him our all and our best efforts day by day. We read in 2 Peter 1:4, “whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

We also have zeal according to knowledge (cf. Romans 10:2) and are “…zealously affected (strongly committed to a godly purpose) always in a good thing” (Galatians 4:18). As we delight ourselves in the Lord, He gives us the desires of our heart or aligns our desires with His will (Psalm 34:7). Philippians 2:13 states, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will (desire) and to do of his good pleasure.” God stirs us toward Himself and His will for our lives by His Word and the inward working of the Holy Spirit.

1 Timothy 3:1 speaks of desire in ministry, “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” We have a desire to do God’s will and finish the race He has called us to run. We consider Christ and what he has done for us, and endured for us (Hebrews 12:3). When we get weary, a fresh look by faith at Calvary quickens us to continue.

This also produces perseverance within us. We want to see His purpose for our lives realized fully.

Earthly emotional or inspirational motivations come and go, and can quickly fade - “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:17). Because we have given ourselves to that which never dies, we are here on a mission to fulfill our eternal purpose, and want to finish well.

Motivation in the Lord’s work is more of a heart work or desire within than the outward passing forms of motivation. May a fresh desire to continue running our race spring up in our souls this week as we look unto “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

Sincerely,

Pastor Tim Cruse

𝐀 𝐑𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” John 4:34