"Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts."
(Isaiah 55: 9)
According to the human sciences, motivation (motive + action) is a condition of the organism guiding individuals in the pursuit of their objectives, through internal impulses that lead them to a corresponding action. The reasons are based on needs, varying from individual to individual in intensity and time.
“Motivation is a set of factors related personal needs, objectives and desires, the same factors identified in faith ...” (Extracted from the book, Cristologia ao seu Alcance, 2010)
Motivation (motive + action) occurs in two perspectives: Through impulses and personal attractions. From the perspective of impulses, the driving forces of actions are the instincts and drives of individuals. While, in the perspective of personal attractions, the driving forces are related to what attracts the individual. Several scholars have formulated models of motivation (motive + action), examples: Burrhus Frederic Skinner (1904 - 1990) concludes that the frequency of a behavior is determined by its consequences, positive or negative; Henry Murray (1893 - 1988) concluded that there was a force ("attraction" or "repulsion") generated by the environment or by the situation of individuals; Abraham Maslow (1908 - 1970) classified needs into five hierarchical levels: physiological, security, social, status and self-realization; Frederic Herzberg (1923 - 2000) concluded that there are two classes of needs: Maintenance and Realization. Maintenance (salary, security, environmental conditions, physical well-being, supervision and group acceptance); Realization (recognition, functional growth, freedom and confidence, professional challenges, greater responsibility and encouragement to creativity); etc ... Whatever the perspectives studied, the motivation models complement each other.
Bringing the discussion about motivation (motive + action) to the christian faith (Jesus Christ), it turns out that the factors that drive individuals to take action are the same that drive faith, action being one of the components of the attitude of faith. If not, see.
"Attitude is understood as the state of mind that determines how to perceive and respond to a situation. The three components of attitude are knowledge, affectivity and action. Knowledge is the level of relationship reached with the person of Jesus, affectivity is the way to approach God, and action is the answer given in the face of the situation ". (Extracted from the book, Cristologia ao seu Alcance, 2010).
The right motivation (motive + action) will always guide you to good life results. The great secret is to align your motives with God's thoughts and ways (Isaiah 55: 9), taking corresponding actions.
"Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts."
(Isaiah 55: 9)
“In short, the motivation of faith is due to internal conviction, and comes with a spiritual vision of eternity, placing our hope in what cannot be contemplated. In this perspective, the son of God (John 1: 12) follows the journey trusting and persevering in the Word of Christ ". (Extracted from the book, Cristologia ao seu Alcance, 2010)
Think Great, because our God is Great.
We are the righteousness of God, in Christ.
Manoel Lúcio da Silva Neto is master in Production Engineering (Media and Knowledge), and author of the book, Cristologia ao seu Alcance, 2010.