We Get Better – Week Five

Motivation determines the level of our investment, the strength of our drive, and the length of our commitment. Ingrained in our human nature is a dislike of punishment and love for rewards. I remember one boss saying, “What gets inspected gets done.” How true!

Whether you are parenting a toddler, teaching students, or managing employees, their actions will closely mirror their motivations. And that motivation is most likely linked to your actions or words. When punishment is clear or unavoidable, bad behavior is stunted, and good behavior typically presents as a result of praise, progress, or the hope of another positive outcome.

Over the past few weeks, we have been considering our call as Christians to keep getting better. The Bible repeatedly challenges us – Grow. Don’t stop where you are. And whatever you do, don’t give in to complacency.

But too often, our motivation to grow is misguided. Maybe we see God as a strict parent, waiting to discipline us when we fail. Or we think of Him more like an exchange booth – when we perform well, we gain tickets we can cash in for a reward. But our call as Christians is so much more than just avoiding punishment or receiving temporary prizes.

God is inviting us into the work of the gospel. He calls us friends, disciples, and co-heirs with Jesus. What we do now matters because it impacts eternity. You and I can please God and partner with His purpose. I don’t know about you, but that motivates me!

This more excellent aim helps us to get our eyes focused on the right things. Truth be told, if we only look at what we can see and control, it can often be quite disappointing. Life is hard, people can be frustrating, and our efforts don’t always produce the results we hope for.

In his letter to a group of Christians persecuted for their faith, Peter reminds us that Jesus suffered on earth, and as we follow Him, often, we will suffer too. But we are living not for the rewards of the body but instead for God’s will. We strive to grow, overcome negative patterns, and learn to love, not just because of how it makes us feel or the immediate result but also because we are participating in God’s eternal work.

Let’s look at one practical example from Peter’s letter. He writes, “The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.” (1 Peter 4:7 NASB) When I read these words a few months ago, one phrase kept repeating over and over in my mind for days – for the purpose of prayer.

Though the words were familiar, the connection seemed new. As believers, we are challenged to live above reproach, alert, and ready for action. Why? Prayer. In other words, a key motivation for us to live a disciplined life is the opportunity to intercede and to talk with God.

I want to challenge you to read slowly through the following verses. As you meditate on God’s word, consider how you can grow and get better for the purpose of prayer.

Be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18

Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:13-14

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16