After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! (1 Thessalonians 2:19 NLT)

Motivation is the fuel of life. In everything we do we must find purpose. Life without purpose is meaningless.

In his letter to believers in Thessalonica Paul referred to some of the things he endured.

As a Christian, Paul often suffered physical, emotional, and spiritual persecution for his faith.

As a missionary, Paul longed for deeper relationships, and greatly missed the consistent fellowship of other brothers and sisters in Christ.

As an apostle, Paul bore the weight of praying for, teaching, and setting an example for those who were often fickle in their own faith. Paul even chose the labor-some toil of working a full-time job (making tents) in order to have the greatest impact on others.

Why did Paul endure all of this? Because of his motivation.

Motivation is the “why” behind the “what.” And for Paul, the “why” was the people.

Sometimes the “what” of life is less than ideal – in fact, it can be draining. But when your focus stays on the “why,” you can handle the “what.”

Paul loved God’s people, particularly those who had come to faith in Christ Jesus through Paul’s ministry.

What’s your motivation?

When your job is frustrating…
When life gets mundane…
When you’re laboring, but not seeing immediate results…

…think of the WHO’s in your life. Your wife, your kids, your friends, those following you.

Ultimately, life is all about motivation.

One day I will stand before The Lord Jesus Christ – my life’s race will be complete. In that moment I will have complete fulfillment and understanding of the meaning of my own life. All of the questions will be answered. And He will say to me: “Well done, good and faithful son.”

For me, Jesus is my greatest motivation.

Jesus, today I choose to live for You. Give meaning to the mundane, and life to the less-than-ideal. With You, I have purpose, I have hope, I have life!
Amen.