What Motivates You May Be Harming You

If we’re truly honest, I suspect fear motivates many of our actions and choices.

I remember some of my best students coming to exams bleary-eyed from late-light cram sessions. “Why did you lose sleep over this test? You know the material.”

“Yeah, but I’m afraid I’ll forget something.”

Afraid I’ll forget a detail on an exam. Afraid of what others will think. Afraid of losing the job or not getting the raise. Afraid of disappointing that person who matters.

What is it for you? What’s the fear that keeps you up at night?

I’m pondering this because we’re in final countdown mode for FRONT RANGE FREEDOM TOUR ’14. As we complete final preparations, it’s easy to give fear a seat on the bus.

Someone’s afraid the logistics aren’t 100% nailed down, and necessary rest is sacrificed at the altar of fear. Someone else feels guilty about not doing enough fundraising and fears how others, or God, will compare or rank them. A rider who fears not being ready begins to over-train.

In each case, the result’s the same. Just like it did for my misguided, fearful student, fear drains the joy and peace and turns the activity into obligation and drudgery.

I don’t have the answer. I only know fear ISN’T the answer—ever. Jesus never wants us to follow in a spirit of fear. He said, “Take Courage. I am. Don’t be afraid.” (If you don’t know the story behind my use of that phrase, click the link. I’ll wait here.)

I’d say, to all of us, that if what we’re doing is motivated by fear we ought to stop. We ought to stop and talk to God and we shouldn’t begin again until we can proceed in peace.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them…There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:16, 18)

Don’t learn in fear. Don’t train in fear. Don’t work, or serve, or prepare, or give, or ask—in fear.

Don’t live in fear.

Take COURAGE. I AM.

Don’t be afraid.

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