Motivation

Most people work hard if they have a purpose and reason. Visible throughout the human race, some people are motivated about almost anything and others are motivated by almost nothing. Proverbs has much to say about the one who works hard and the alternative. {Proverbs 10:4, "Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich;" Proverbs 10:26, "Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy one to those who send him;" Proverbs 22:13 "The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets!"} To some of the first believers Paul would say, "let him who works eat. .  ." - 2 Thess. 3:10; the Hebrew writer states it another way, "so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises" - Hebrews 6:12. So what are we to understand? First, we need to be careful not to criticize a person for not working as we think they should; only the Holy Spirit really knows all the details surrounding each person's motivations. Jesus healed many who were unable to work. Second, we should seek to understand their difficulties and encourage them. Third, we should seek ways to help them as the Holy Spirit wants, not as we desire. Christians have an important purpose: praise God in all our actions! The reason is that we are God's children destined for eternity with him, that should be strong motivation. Paul's admonition seeks to avoid bad feelings for those who followed Christ when he says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23 (NIV)