The power of motivation

Good morning mt friends. What is your motivation for getting out of bed this morning? Is it that cup of coffee? Perhaps you have to get up because of a screaming baby or the kids have to eat breakfast? Maybe you have a job you enjoy so it is easy for you to spring out of bed? Motivations can be varying in appearance and strength. As followers of Jesus Christ we should be motivated in mission by our love for our Lord. As Paul continues writing to Timothy, encouraging him to remain strong in his faith during hardships, he says:

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. (2 Timothy 2:8-9)

I have read many opinions on what people think Paul meant by "remember Jesus" and they are all interesting. Personally I believe Paul meant that Timothy was to think of Jesus in the present not in the past. I think he was telling him to remember the risen Jesus, sitting at the right hand of the Father. Remember the Jesus who intercedes on our behalf, representing us to dad. Have you ever had a big brother or sister who did that for you, who would try to explain you to your parents? I was that to my little sister for a few years when she went through a rough patch with my parents. I understood in a way my parents couldn't so I tried to help them see my sister's perspective. This same Jesus has also always promised to be with us through the Holy Spirit. Whatever we face we never face alone. This is probably the best thing that Paul ever told Timothy and thus us. Remember Jesus today, as you get out of bed and prepare to face your day. Then he adds:

Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. v. 10

It is because of Jesus that Paul is able to endure everything for the sake of the mission. We can't be mission oriented. If we are we will fail because we do not have what it takes for this mission. Instead, our orientation must be Jesus and this in turn makes us mission minded. Because Jesus is our motivation we can endure everything for the sake of those who the Father has the foreknowledge will accept Jesus as Saviour. Regardless of our part in it we are all part of the mission to reach those who are lost. You might be a teacher, a plumber, a bus driver, a doctor, a student, a counselor, a choir director, it doesn't really matter. Whatever we do we are soldiers in this mission but Jesus must remain our motivation or will we get lost and in our purpose. If we are lost in our purpose we will not be able to endure the hardships. It doesn't start with mission; it must start with relationship. 

So before you face your day take a little bonding time with Jesus. Meditate on his Word. Spend some time to worship him. Talk your day over with him and see if there are things he wants you to adjust. Point out a few people who could use some extra help and blessing today. Determine to meet a believer for coffee today or give them a call on the phone just to have some fellowship content in your day. Get focused on Jesus before you even allow your feet to touch that cold floor today and you will have an excellent day no matter the hardships you will have to endure.