"Your motivation is not what others think of you, not even the consequence of your actions if you choose another way, but your longing to have the image of God revealed in you. You simply want to be a different person."
— Erwin McManus, Uprising, p. 69
In our journey of faith, we often wrestle with questions about our motivations, purpose, and priorities. It's easy to become paralyzed by the opinions of friends and family, or by our own internal dialogue as we imagine every possible outcome of our choices.
However, as Erwin McManus wisely points out in Uprising, our ultimate motivation should be the desire to have the image of God revealed in us. After all, this is what it means to be created in the image of God.
I want us to ponder how the desire to correctly represent God’s character is essential to our discipleship.
The True Source of Motivation
When we embark on a journey of discipleship, it’s natural to seek motivation from various sources. We may crave the approval of others, fear the consequences of making the wrong choices, or be driven by a pursuit of success. Yet McManus encourages us to shift our focus from these external influences to the internal transformation that comes from desiring to reflect the image of God. Our motivation moves from pleasing people to pleasing God, and this shift fundamentally changes how we approach our faith.
The Power of Transformation
As believers, we are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). This transformation isn’t merely an outward change, but a deep, inward shift. Our desire to become a different person shouldn’t be rooted in self-improvement or personal gain, but in a yearning to become more Christlike. We recognize that our ultimate fulfillment comes from aligning our hearts, minds, and actions with God’s character.
Embracing the Process
The journey to have the image of God revealed in us is not a quick fix or an instant transformation. It’s a lifelong process that requires dedication, humility, and surrender. We must be willing to let go of old habits and embrace the pruning and refining that come with seeking God’s image. Just as a sculptor chips away at a block of stone to reveal a masterpiece, God shapes us through the challenges, trials, and joys of life.
Releasing Fear and Insecurity
When our motivation is rooted in the desire to reveal God’s image within us, we are freed from the fear of what others think. Our worth is not determined by people’s opinions but by our identity as children of God. This newfound confidence empowers us to make choices that align with God’s will, rather than being swayed by external pressures.
Erwin McManus’s words remind us of a beautiful truth: our motivation in discipleship should stem from a longing to reveal the image of God within us. As we focus on this desire, our actions, choices, and attitudes will begin to change. We become less concerned with gaining approval from others and more committed to reflecting God’s character in all that we do. Let us embrace this transformative journey with open hearts, trusting that God is at work within us, shaping us into vessels that radiate His love, grace, and truth to the world.
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