Motivation

Possibly the single most important goal for parents and teachers, is that of properly motivating our children, or students. There are entire books written on the subject. I recently saw one advertised about the motivation secrets of great leaders. The world’s great men were highly motivated.

Some of the greatest minds this world has seen were highly motivated, and self-taught. Benjamin Franklin, a scientist, author, inventor, musician, and linguist, was responsible for numerous inventions that are still used today. His experiments in the field of electricity changed the face of America. His leadership in the Revolution, in forming our government and in the abolition of slavery, all helped to make the U.S. a benevolent, and truly wonderful nation. Franklin had only one year of formal education. He was self-taught.

Albert Einstein, whose scientific genius changed the face of the world, was a self-taught theoretical physicist. Isaac Newton, a mathematical genius who has had a profound influence in every area of mathematics, the fields of optics, mechanics, chemistry, and religion, though schooled, always spoke of himself as being self-taught. And our greatest example, Jesus himself was self taught. He did not even attend the schools of his day.

These accomplishments are not possible without being highly motivated. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have children who were motivated enough to reach such intellectual heights? But as Christians, we have even higher goals for our children. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” (Mark 12:30)

This calls for the devotion of body, mind and soul to the service of God. How can we motivate our children to reach the highest attainments possible in physical, and spiritual as well as intellectual realms? I have found that the most powerful motivating factor is love. Nothing can equal this. People will make enormous sacrifices for someone they love. But human love will fail us. Circumstances may separate us from those we love. Human relationships can be strained, and broken. But God’s love will never fail us.

If we can instill in the hearts of our children supreme love and devotion to God, they will aspire to the greatest heights. They will study—not to gain the applause of men, or out of curiosity or competition—but to know how they can best serve God and their fellow men. Former World Trade Organization director general Mike Moore, said, “our greatest motivation is the people we serve.” How much greater motivation ought we to have as Christians, for the people we serve are those for whom Christ died?

Our ideas of education take too narrow and too low a range. There is need of a broader scope, a higher aim. True education means more than the pursual of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come. (see Education p.13)

The source of such an education is brought to view in these words of Scripture, pointing to the Infinite One: In Him “are hid all the treasures of wisdom.” (Colossians 2:3) “He hath counsel and understanding.” (Job 12:13)

When we have this philosophy of education, the subject takes on whole new meaning. The Scriptures are full of records of angels visiting man to bring messages, protect, and comfort. Their whole existence seems to be one of constant service. What motivates them? They never cease to be filled with awe and admiration of the One on the throne. “... they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8)

Concerning the character of God revealed in His plan of Redemption for this fallen race, the Scripture tells us they are things which “the angels desire to look into.” (1 Peter 1:12) God, and His character will be the theme of the saved through endless ages. Heaven is a place of ceaseless learning. Every new creation, every new principle put into action offers a storehouse of knowledge to unfold to the inquisitive mind. Those whose only interest is to serve God, the One they love, with all their might, will be constantly growing in knowledge that they might more and more reflect His image and be better fitted to serve Him each new day.

Think of this. If our children are motivated to want to learn all they possibly could in every subject, wouldn’t that make the job of teaching them a hundred times easier? It is not only easier to educate a child who wants to learn something, it becomes impossible to keep them from learning! Consider how public education revolves around grades. In fact it would probably fall apart without them. Why do teachers give grades? Is it not to motivate? But to many that is not a motivator, and to others, it is not enough to stimulate them to do their best.

Ex-President James Carter when interviewed by a navy admiral mentioned that he had graduated 59th out of a class of 820. The admiral only asked if he had done his best. He had to admit he had not. There must be a higher motivating factor than good grades.

When our children realize the infinite love of God for them, and what will please Him, then they will be motivated to reach the highest possible attainments in every line, so that they might better serve Him. No wonder “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)

Then let us begin right now to present the wisdom, and matchless charms of the love of God to our children!