What Motivates Me: Learning to Live with Purpose

Have you ever asked yourself what truly motivates you? Not just what gets you out of bed in the morning, but what drives the decisions you make—the words you say, the way you lead, and how you live for Jesus?

For most of us, motivation comes from many sources, some helpful and others… not so much.

The Wrong Kind of Motivation

When I was a kid, my dad had his own unique way of motivating us. I remember one early morning when my brother and I were making a little too much noise. In an effort to “quiet us down,” he brought our heads together—literally. The result? Two dazed boys and a lifelong lesson that not all motivation is healthy or holy.

Now, don’t get me wrong. My dad was a complicated man, and not everything he did was cruel. But that particular moment? Let’s just say it was not a good way to motivate us.

The Right Kind of Motivation

Thankfully, not everyone in my life motivated like that. One of my greatest early encouragers was Mrs. Klewer, my eighth-grade English teacher. She saw something in me when others didn’t. I was barely reading at a second-grade level, and I was failing. But she gave me a challenge: read one short story—maybe 20 pages long—and she’d give me a passing grade.

That story turned into another, and another, and before long, I was devouring books and earning straight A’s. What changed? Someone believed in me. She didn’t shame me. She didn’t ignore me. She nudged me forward with kindness and consistency. That’s the kind of motivation that leaves a mark for life.

Motivation Is Everywhere

Let’s be honest—motivation takes many forms. Sometimes it’s a citation from a police officer that reminds us to slow down. Other times it’s a friend saying, “You’ve got this. Don’t quit.” We’re motivated by money, recognition, the approval of others, the fear of failure, or the desire to succeed.

But at some point, we’ve got to ask a deeper question:

What if God’s purpose was our primary motivation?

What Drives Me?

Why do I want to be a good preacher? Is it so others will praise my messages? Or is it so that souls might be drawn to repentance and salvation through Jesus’ Name?

Why do I want to be a good father? Is it to earn respect from my neighbors? Or is it so my children can learn—through me—that their Heavenly Father is trustworthy, loving, and faithful?

The truth is, I don’t want to live chasing the carrots the world offers. I don’t want to be caught up in the never-ending treadmill of self-promotion and man’s approval. Personal ambition is a beast with no tail. You can chase it all your life and never catch it.

I want my life to count for something more than applause or achievements.

I want it to count for eternity.

His Purpose, Not Mine

The Bible says it plainly:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33

If I pursue His Kingdom first, everything else falls into place.

Jesus wasn’t motivated by fame or fortune. He was moved by compassion. His purpose was selfless. It was sacrificial. It wasn’t about upward mobility—it was about downward servanthood. He knelt. He wept. He poured Himself out so we could be lifted up.

His miracles weren’t driven by personal ambition, but by the will of the Father and the needs of hurting people. Not once do we see Jesus perform a miracle to elevate His own platform. Every healing, every teaching, every moment of ministry was a reflection of divine purpose.

So why should mine be any different?

A Life That Matters

I’m still young enough (even if the calendar tries to argue otherwise) to want my life to count. I want to see God do great things in me, through me, and in spite of me. But not for my name’s sake.

I want to make an eternal difference.

And I’ve come to realize that only God’s purpose will lead me to true success. Not the kind that fades, but the kind that echoes in Heaven.

Because at the end of the day, only what’s done for Jesus will last. Only what’s born of His purpose will bear real fruit.

So I ask you what I ask myself:

What motivates you?

Is it recognition, ambition, or approval? Or is it the purpose of God calling you into deeper waters?

If we get this right, we’ll live a life that truly matters.

About Pastor James Smith

Pastor James Smith, Valparaiso, Indiana – Founder of PreachIt.org, OpportunityHope.org, and PastoralHelps.com.

He equips pastors worldwide with sermons, leadership tools, and encouragement, while also caring for orphaned and at-risk children in West Bengal, India through OpportunityHope. Beyond the orphanage and school, OpportunityHope provides clean water wells, livestock, and other humanitarian helps to families and villages in need. Additional books, leadership training, and mentoring resources are available through PastoralHelps.com.