People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily. Zig Ziglar

Andrew Carnegie was one of the world's greatest businessmen. He was also one of its best motivators. This was amply demonstrated on one occasion when his sister-in-law was having trouble getting her two college sons to reply to her letters. Regardless of her pleas, she could not get them to write back to let her know how they were doing.

Carnegie said he could get them to respond, and quick, without even asking for a reply. When the boys' mother expressed skepticism, he wagered her a hundred dollars that he could do so. He then sat down and wrote them both newsy letters. At the end of each letter he added a postscript, making reference to a $5 gift he was enclosing. He neglected to enclose the $5 in either letter.

Both boys wrote a response to their uncle's letters by return mail.

Pretty clever, when you think about it, but this was one of Carnegie's great gifts: He knew what motivated people. What is it that motivates you and I? Is it a desire to meet other people's needs, or is it a less honorable motivation like the greed of Andrew Carnegie's two nephews? It's clear that if the boys had been motivated from concern for their mother, they would have written to her without having to be prompted to do so. It's also clear that we will respond to our motivations, whether good or bad.

This is especially true when it comes to serving God. We will either serve Him because we love Him and would think of doing nothing else, or we will serve Him from much baser motives such as fear of punishment or anticipation of getting something we want from Him. One motive will lend to a very pleasant existence. All other motives will prove to be unsatisfactory - both in our response to God in this life, and in His response to us at the Judgment.

It is important for us to understand what motivates us in this life. God desires (and rewards) His beloved children who are motivated by their love for Him and their appreciation for all that He has done. It is pure motives that lead to a life worth living. Are we treating God in a manner consistent with faithful children... or are we treating Him more like a rich uncle who has something we want? That which motivates us will differentiate between a life well lived or one that is squandered in trivial pursuits. And, like bathing, proper motivation needs to be revisited on a regular basis.

For the pagans run after all these things and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:32-33, NIV