what are you motivated by?
Today, as I was journaling, the Holy Spirit led me to Ecclesiastes 4. The whole chapter not only spoke right into my situation and heart, but it also urged me to write about verse four and how it is a call to action for internal change.
“Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.”
I love this verse in this passage because it is so relevant to culture today. Everyone is always striving to be better than the person next to them. If there is no conscious choice to live in humility everyday, the pride in our life will overrule our daily decisions. I say this because, when we are motivated to succeed based on the jealousy of seeing other people succeed we are succumbing to pride, jealousy, and comparison.
When we are walking in our purpose and in our lane, we are doing everything unto the Lord. As Christians, we shouldn’t be living for the approval of others, but for the approval of God.
I remember early on last year, when I started being more consistent on social media, I would compare myself to other fitness influencers. It’s really easy to get sucked into the mindset of comparison when it is all you see. It is easy to compare when you see other people growing their following a lot more quickly than you. It is easy to get caught up in jealousy when you see other people get more brand deals, recognition, etc. My life and mindset didn’t start to change until I started putting God first in what I do. It went from posting for me to posting for God and for purpose. I shifted my focus from me towards what God wanted me to share, and in doing so He started to combine my love for fitness, faith, and writing all into one.
I was so blinded by pride and ego, posting and sharing was spiritually/mentally draining because I constantly sought out for external, materialistic validations. I gauged my “success” by collaborating with brands, being on the explore page, or increasing my like count. However, over the course of the year, God has numerously placed me in states of humility and made it known I can’t achieve what I see for myself until I bring Him in the midst and start doing it for Him. When I grew in my walk, started posturing my heart in humility, and allowing the Holy Spirit to drive my creativity, I didn’t care about the external achievements.’ The likes, the following, the brand deals and collabs did not matter anymore, and I soon learned that if it’s God ordained, He will make it happen and open those doors of opportunities.
There is a toxic mentality you tend to develop on social media when you are not living with purpose, being genuine, or constantly comparing yourself. The more I allowed the Holy Spirit to drive my creativity and be the author of my writings, motivational texts, tweets, and posts the more I experienced freedom from comparison and pride.
Jealousy and looking at other people’s successes should not be the driving force to do anything. When we are walking in alignment with God’s purpose and calling on our lives there is no more room for the spirit of pride, strife, and jealousy. Pride blinds vision, and clarity comes from allowing the Holy Spirit to drive your reality.
So I ask, “what are you motivated by?” Are you motivated by the approval and recognition of others?
Here are some bible verses to encourage you to live a life of freedom with Jesus. He will guide you into all Truth. He will never leave you astray. He will never leave you with a burden, but will carry it. Live without inhibition with the One who made creation.
1 John 2:17
The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
Galatians 1: 10
Am I now trying to win the favor and approval of men, or of God? Or am I seeking to please someone? If I were still trying to be popular with men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men..
Father God,
I pray for the reader on the opposite end of the screen. I pray they will be driven by Your Spirit to accomplish the call You have on their life. I pray for them to seek the kingdom first in everything they do. I rebuke any spirit of pride, jealousy, or comparison that is getting in the way of their purpose. I renounce any hindrances clouding their vision. I pray for love, grace, and humility to be at the forefront of their lives in their daily decisions.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
My Alabaster Box by Keilani Mayo
Written: Tuesday. 05.17. 2022 / 10:05 am