WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?

For God has not given us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. – 2 Timothy 1:7

What are you afraid of? The drive within us is often driven by fear. Fear of loss. Fear of losing control. Fear of betrayal. Fear of success. Fear of not being accepted. Fear of failing. Fear of not being good enough.

Fear is a great motivator. It is the cousin of pain. Pain too has been known to motivate. But there is a better motivator. Despite these tendencies in our hearts to yield to fear and pain, within us is a sense that there is something stronger, more enduring and accepting. That longing is love. The greatest motivator in all of life is love. Oh what a soul will do to find it, even more to keep it.

Love inspires, encourages and motivates in ways we deeply desire and long for. There is no fear in true love. Love is the perfect motivator. No wonder Jesus clarified which of the 613 commandments was the greatest. In summary, he said, love God and love others as you love yourself. He also reminds us to fear not, for he is with us.

Fear comes easy. Pain is an unwelcomed adversary. But love is greeted with open arms, gladly accepted and deeply desired.

What are you afraid of? Fear loses its power when wrapped in the arms of love. Fear is a strong motivator but it is like a sugar high. It is like downing an energy drink. A shot of adrenaline only lasts so long. Lasting and sustaining drive is rooted in love.

We have to be careful not to allow ourselves to be influenced by fear’s ability to drive us. The signs are clear worry, doubt and anxiety are all indicators that the fear factor is at play and often works, if only for a while. Fear has a short shelf life. Lasting, positive and endearing motivation comes from knowing we are loved, accepted and adored. God loves us and is for us. He is in our corner cheering us on. The enemy relies on fear. The Lord recognizes love as the greatest motivator of all.

What role is fear playing in your life? From where does your drive and motivation come from? Love conquers all. When you realize how much you are loved, fear begins to be recognized as a cheap substitute for lasting motivation. The more you give love, the more you receive it. Don’t be afraid to give love away! Fear not. Give and receive love today.

Think and Pray
Are you motivated by fear or love?

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of how much You love me and that You have given me a spirit of power and of love and a sound mind.

Ray Sanders is recognized as a passionate CEO, a leader of leaders, a white-board aficionado and an innovative growth strategist with a heart for purpose-driven cultures and values-based leadership development. He is Co-founder of Coaching Leaders and Edify Leaders, and a regular speaker for CBMC’s Young Professionals program in Oklahoma City. Catch his blog at raysanders.com.