Have you ever struggled to find daily motivation? Everyone struggles with a lack of drive from time to time. Sometimes it's due to boredom. Sometimes fatigue. Sometimes fear of failure. Whatever it is that's making you feel uninspired to keep going or try something new doesn't matter. When you're motivated by the best reasons, you'll stay motivated.
Sometimes, mundane jobs and everyday responsibilities don’t feel like worthwhile investments of our time and energy. But the truth is: everything we do matters to God and is used by Him.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” -Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
3 Sources of Christian Motivation
Whatever you do. Whether you’re in your dream career or working for someone difficult, whether you’re taking care of your house, or organizing a business—everything we do is an opportunity to worship Jesus. It’s just a matter of perspective.
1. Motivated by Mission
If we view life through a lens that is only concerned with ourselves, we will quickly grow tired of our circumstances and disappointed by our striving. But if we view life through a lens of worship, nothing in this life will give us more joy than serving Jesus.
The best kind of motivation is always fueled by a desire to lead yourself and others closer to Christ. If everything becomes about Him, then everything is worth doing well. If we’re Christians, then our lives belong to Jesus.
Our whole world becomes about Him, His purposes, and His glory. When we do everything with Him in mind, He never fails to bless us with His presence, love, and grace. And one day, He will also give us an eternal reward for our faithful service.
So as you think about the work God has put in front of you, consider what it would mean to do everything for the Lord. And then ask yourself: “in what ways will I honor God and inspire others today?”
2. Motivated By Mindset
That second kind of motivation, the internal kind, is usually thought of as hard to come by. But if you think about it, it's really not. After all, we're all motivated by something. It's why we do—or don't do—anything. When you're tired, laziness might motivate you to take a nap. When you're hungry, food can move you to go digging through the kitchen. When your high school reunion is around the corner, you might feel that motivation to clean all those clothes off your treadmill and jog a few miles.
So if it's so easy to be motivated by something, whether you realize it or not, how do we stay motivated for the best reasons?
Motivation is about a mindset, and progress starts with purpose.
The first step is having a goal in mind. Ask God to reveal something He wants you to work on. Think of something you'd like to accomplish. Then, write it out. Keep it simple. Keep it in the front of your mind.
Without a clear idea of where you want to end up, there's no way to chart a course to reach it. And it doesn't have to be a huge goal, like “Lose 100 pounds,” or “Buy a new car by the end of the year.” It can be something small, like “Greet everyone with a smile,” or “Read my Bible every day.” Because here's the key: Motivation is about a mindset, and progress starts with purpose.
No one ever did something amazing without first believing they could do it—or that they were created to do it. If you're struggling to find daily motivation, you're not alone. Remind yourself of your goal. Let God's Word give you the strength and the encouragement you need to push forward toward your goal.
Bible Verses About Motivation:
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All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
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… I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
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It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. … 2 Corinthians 1:21 NLT
3. Motivated By Momentum
As you become motivated by mission and mindset you'll turn into a freight-train of others-focused action. And when you do, don't let off the gas. Stay consistent in the little things that lead you to stay motivated so you can continue making a long-term impact.