“The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass” (Proverbs 19:12).
The two most basic ways to help motivate unmotivated people are fear and praise. The King of kings uses both.
Because some people are more quickly stirred to action by fear, Jesus twice declared: “Repent or perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). In his penultimate parable, He likened a portion of humanity to a “wicked and lazy servant” (Mat. 25:26). This unprofitable servant was to be cast into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Mat. 25:30). In His final parable Jesus likened a portion of humanity to goats whose eternal verdict was: “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Mat. 25:41).
Because some people are more readily stirred to action by praise, Jesus likened a portion of humanity to a “good and faithful servant” (Mat. 25:21). His words of praise are simple, yet sufficient: “Well done.” In His parable comparing humanity to a shepherd’s flock, His words of praise are: “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Mat. 25:34).
These two avenues of motivation are real and Biblical. However. The highest and best source of motivation is an “all in” love for God (Mat. 22:37). It seeks to obey God. It leaves the sweet fruit of inexpressible joy (1 Pet. 1:8) and a peace which surpasses all comprehension (Phil. 4:7).
Motivation matters.
