Motivation
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Genesis 9-11; Psalm 9
Genesis 11:4 (NIV)
4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
Psalm 9:13-14 (NIV)
13 O Lord, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, 14 that I may declare your praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion and there rejoice in your salvation.
Good morning!
What inspires you to get out of bed every morning and go? What helps you get your creative juices flowing each day? Maybe it’s a caffeine jolt. Do you have a daily routine that keeps your life in balance and all your bills paid? Do you micromanage your time and/or the time of those who serve you? Do you enjoy working hard, or hardly working? Are you seeking higher education and specialized training so that you can receive that long-awaited promotion at work? Are you climbing the corporate ladder of success? Maybe you are a collector of things. What toys do you surround yourself with at home? Do you pride yourself on the money you’ve saved through the years? What motivates you to live?
The people of Babel believed in hard work. They enjoyed their community and culture. They were proud of who they were. Unfortunately, the people of Babel forgot whose they were. This close-knit community banded together to build a great city, with a tower that would reach all the way to Heaven. Their motivation for building was purely selfish, by making a name for themselves. They coveted the praises of all people. “Look at us – look at what we’ve accomplished! We built a tower all the way to Heaven’s gate. We are great, just like God.”
There is nothing wrong with being motivated to do your best work, continuing your educational pursuits, and striving to be the best person you can be. We cross the line when we become prideful, arrogant, and self-absorbed in our daily endeavors. We may achieve a long-awaited goal, and suddenly find our hearts are filled with pride and conceit. How do we avoid becoming our own worst enemy?
King David was wise beyond his young years. There were many who really didn’t like this royal boy, and David spent a chunk of time simply running for his life. When he prayed, David asked the Father to have mercy and lift him up from the gates of death. He begged to be spared for the sole purpose of praising the Lord and rejoicing in His salvation. David’s faith and love for God surpassed his fear of death and destruction. He wanted to live so that he could spend his days praising the Master. There was nothing more important for David than to raise the Lord’s name high, telling all the world of His amazing love.
Take a good look at the towers you have built in your life. Who are they for? Do they serve any meaningful purpose? Remember who you are and whose you are. Make time to praise the One who gives you life and helps make sense out of your nonsense. Put your toys down now and spend some time praising the Lord. Let your selfish ambitions go; give Him your whole heart, mind and soul.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: willingness to let your life magnify the Lord. Will you sacrifice your selfish motives for His will in your life? Give it up for God today.
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© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
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