His Workmanship

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10

Motivation, according to Psychology Today, is one of the driving forces behind human behavior. It may spring from the most fundamental needs, such as food and shelter, or higher needs for love and belonging, or from negative pressures, such as fear and danger. Sources of motivation, internal or external, drive a person toward an anticipated reward, relief, or rescue.

What are the things that motivate you? What actions do you engage in that grow from those motivations? In Ephesians, the apostle Paul declares that followers of Jesus are motivated by their relationship with the Savior. Jesus was frequently motivated by compassion (Mark 6:34). He saw a need, and He met it. Granted, His actions involved the miraculous. You may not be a miracle worker but you can still show compassion.

The verse says you were created for good works for which God has already prepared for you. You don’t need to conjure them up for yourself—just be obedient to His calls for you to engage every day. Let empathy guide your motivations and compassion direct you to action.