John Stanko

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" - Colossians 3:23-24.

Motivation is an issue that leaders must face, addressing the needs of others as well as themselves. Money, benefits, prestige, a nice office, reporting to an effective supervisor, loss of privileges, and demotions are all motivators (good and bad), but they are referred to as extrinsic because they motivate from outside the worker or leader. Intrinsic motivators are internal (and different from person to person) and much more effective and powerful, and stem from the reason for or satisfaction derived from the work itself. In today's passage, the most lasting and effective motivation is to do the work for the Lord, because He is always watching and will ultimately reward with benefits, both in this lifetime and the next.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Your best indicator of why you do what you do often shows when you are not rewarded for your labor as you deem appropriate. That disappointment can lead you to hold back your best efforts. Today, reflect on why you do what you do, and be honest. Is it for money, promotion, or attention? Do you understand that you are working for the Lord and not for your company or your board of directors? Do you need to adjust your attitude and do your best work for reasons other than the usual reasons people work?