Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. 2We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Thessalonias 1:1-3 NIV
What Motivates our service for Christ? Why do we make the sacrifices we make as we serve Christ? In his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul commends these believers not only for what they do but the motivations behind what they do.
After mentioning that he is thankful for them and is praying for them, he commends them for three things: (vs 3)
1-Their work produced by Faith.
They are motivated to work for Christ because of their faith in Him, not personal gain or to please others but faith in Christ. What motivates you to work for Christ?
next he commends them for
2-Their labor prompted by love. They labored for Christ because of the love they had for Him and for his people. Sometimes we serve out of duty or obligation-but love is the best motivator. Are you motivated by love in your labor for Christ?
Finally, he commends them for:
3-Their Endurance inspired by hope. The Amplified version uses the term "unwavering hope". The Colossians continued to serve Christ because of their unwavering, unshakeable hope in Christ!
If we have hope, we can endure almost anything. Are you filled with the hope in Christ today?
Prayer: Father In Jesus Name, I pray that you will help me to have proper motivations for serving you. Help me to work and labor for you motivated by Faith, love and an unwavering hope in you. Forgive me for the times when my motivations are self serving or man centered.
Lord, help me more and more to be motivated by Faith, Love and Hope in Christ, even as I serve you! In Jesus Name, and to Your Glory. Amen!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
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