8 motivations to work

Right now in Men's Fellowship, we're doing a series called "Men at Work," where we're examining the biblical teaching regarding work. This week we try to answer the question, "What should motivate me at work?"

Here are eight motivations from the Scripture. The more of these we experience at work, the more satisfying and fulfilling our work will be.

1. “I have to.”
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

2. “To meet my needs and the needs of my family.”
1 Timothy 5:8 - But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

3. “I desire a certain standard of living.”
Ecclesiastes 5:19 - Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.

4. “I desire to accomplish something meaningful.”
Ecclesiastes 2:24 - There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God,

5. “I do something at work that is beneficial and meaningful to others.”
1 Peter 4:10 - As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

6. “I can earn money that I can give to help others.”
Ephesians 4:28 - Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

7. “I can earn money to give that would help advance God’s kingdom on earth.”
Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;

8. “I can serve and glorify God in my work and spiritually impact people by the way I go about my work.”
Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

THESE 8 MOTIVATIONS ARE SUMMARIZED BY 4 DRIVES:

1. Paycheck driven – “I can provide and have a certain standard of living.”

2. Passion drive – “I can do something meaningful.”

3. Philanthropy Driven – “I can help others and make a difference.”

4. Purpose Driven – “I can make much of God through the quality of my work.”