About two years after I started running, I joined a USATF road race team. This was a great experience and I met some pretty amazing people. I was quite a bit older than many of the team members and significantly less speedy. I don’t believe I actually ever earned any points for the team; however, I do know that by showing up, I often brought our participation numbers up enough so that the team could score points. There were times I may have been the absolute last member of our team to cross the finish line. Sure, I developed a keen sense of humility while racing with this team, but I also knew my value as a teammate didn’t have to be reflected in the number of points I earned.
I figured out over the years that the motivation that keeps me working hard and striving to be the best that I possibly can be is not points or praise. It’s knowing that I am a representative of Jesus. Because I am a Christian my efforts, attitude and interactions have the opportunity to show someone who Jesus is.
The fantastic thing about this motivation is that it never goes away. Some people may not notice the work we do, the things we accomplish or the kind things we say or do. God sees it all, and never forgets the things you do in His name. One of the best ways to know you are doing something in the name of the Lord is by doing it with an attitude of gratitude. It’s much easier to bring glory to God and to bless others when you are thankful for the opportunity to do so.
It can be discouraging to try to please or impress people. We may not get the feedback or results we’d like to see. Instead, find motivation and satisfaction by doing everything as a representative of Jesus. This way, we can be certain there always will be incredible results.
[…] God can be glorified whether you choose to start your own company or support another person in their entrepreneurial endeavor; whether you play football or run cross country; whether you go to the state university or the Christian college. If your heart longs to please God in whatever you do, your decision is right (see Daily Devotional: Lasting Motivation). […]