We can be motivated for a lot of things such as completing our homework by dinnertime or making the soccer team. Motivation is an internal drive that encourages us to do something. Motivation can also be described as the "why" behind our actions.

The world teaches us that our motivation should be self-centered. Ideas, such as "I want to ace my test so that I look really smart," or "I want to lose weight, so others think I'm pretty," are not rooted in biblical motivation. Self-centered thinking is not in alignment with the Bible. Our motivation needs to come from God. Whenever we want to do something, it needs to be with God in mind.

Rather than being focused on ourselves or our own wants, Jesus teaches us that we should humble ourselves and become servants (James 4:10; Matthew 23:11–12). We are followers of Jesus, which means we must take up our cross daily, deny ourselves, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). There is no room for selfish thinking or trying to get what we want. These desires are rooted in sin, and God doesn't want us to walk in darkness.

Jesus showed us what true, biblical motivation looks like when He said, "My food is to do what my Father sent me to do. My food is to finish his work" (John 4:34). Jesus wanted to live and work in obedience to the Father. His motivations came from the Father and were always full of self-sacrifice, mercy, and love. As Jesus' followers, we need to do the same. We need to live for Christ, and all of our motivation needs to be found in Him, in order to bring His name glory and praise.