“We think there are thousands of things we should be concerned with, but there is actually only one. If we take care of the one thing, all the others will find themselves done. And if we fail to take care of the one thing that is needful, all the others – no matter how successful we may seem to do them-will fall into ruin. So why are we torn between matters of the heart and worldly concerns?” (Francois Fenelon, 17th century writer)

• If we take care of the heart, everything else will follow

John 8:30

• He always did what Pleased Him
• Many have tried, but what set Jesus apart was that he always succeeded
• No other man can make such a claim
• No one provides us with a better example of how we can have a Heart that Pleased God

A Heart with the Right Motivation All of us live have an outer life and inner life

• The outer life – everyone sees, visible to God and everyone else.
• Not everyone can see the thought behind the action
• It is easy to look good on the outside
• The inner life is kept private to the individual. It is between God and us.
• We share it with a select few. It includes our attitudes, intent & motive.

• Intrinsic motivation (the inner way)
• Is the way of attitude and desire and proper motivation
• It is where we ask “why we are doing something”
• Extrinsic motivation (the outer way)
• We live up to a standard imposed to us on the outside
• We must have an Intrinsic motivation that is about desire and enjoyment, rather than external motivators.

What did Jesus teach about motivation?

• Matthew 6:1 – do things to be seen by men (acts of righteousness)
• Matthew 6:5 – Pray to be seen by men
• Matthew 6:16 – Fast to be seen by men

Personally, I have done things for:

• Fear of hell; some things not do if no hell!
• To please leaders or members
• Someone is going to ask or hold me accountable
• To be example
• The right thing to do
• To look good

What did Jesus demonstrate about motivation?

After Jesus healed people, he sometimes said; “See that you say nothing to anyone” (Mark 1:43)

He did not do things to please people, recognition

He cared nothing for public relations

He worked extra hard to stay off the front page news

He had a lack of concern for fame

His life wasn’t self-seeking, but dedicated to caring for others and serving God

Q – Why do you do what you do?

For Jesus: “I seek to please Him” (John 5:30)

• We seek to please ourselves by seeking money, possessions, power, prestige, popularity and pleasure
• We seek to please others and give into peer pressure

How can we please God?

Live by Faith (Hebrews 11:5-6, 10:38)

Doing good and Sharing with others (Hebrews 13:16)

Obeying your parents (Colossians 3:20)

When we obey his commands (1 John 3:22)

Take care of physical family (1 Timothy 5:4)