8 Motivations for Work
Everything we do is motivated by something. So is work. The question for every follower of Jesus is, “Is my motivation for work a biblical one?” Below are 8 motivations to work, but first a few important observations about this list:
Scripture affirms all of these motivations
The more of these motivations a person has about his work the more motivated, bigger perspective, and more productive he or she will likely be.
The more success a person has in implementing these motivations the happier and more personally fulfilled he will be at work.
8 Motivations for Work
1) “I have to.”
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
2) “To meet my needs and the needs of my family.”
1 Timothy 5:8 - But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
3) “I desire a higher standard of living.”
Ecclesiastes 5:19 - Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.
4. “I can earn money that I can give to help others.”
Ephesians 4:28 - Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
5) “I can earn money to give that will help advance the gospel.”
Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
6) “I desire to accomplish something that feels fulfilling.”
Ecclesiastes 2:24 - There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God,
7) “I do something at work that is beneficial and meaningful to others.”
1 Peter 4:10 - As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
8) “I can glorify God and spiritually impact people by the way I go about my work.”
The way that you imitate God in your work (click here for 25 ways to imitate God in work) honors god and impacts people.
Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
8 Motivations, 4 Drives
Essentially, these 8 motivations could be broken down into 4 drives:
1. Paycheck driven – “I can provide and have a certain standard of living.”
2. Passion driven – “I can do something meaningful.”
3. Philanthropy driven – “I can help others and make a difference.”
4. Purpose driven – “I can make much of God through the quality of my work.”
