Drive and Driven: The Power of Motivated Purpose in Christian Service

Drive is an inner conviction, a being propelled by motivation that demands determined action. A Christian with drive is serious in their endeavours for Christ, reflecting the same focused determination that characterized Jesus' mission on earth.

The Biblical Foundation of Divine Drive

Jesus Christ was the ultimate example of unwavering drive and determination. Nothing was able to deter Him from His mission (Lk 9:51). He looked beyond the pain and suffering of the cross to the result of redeemed multitudes in heaven, willing to pay the ultimate price. He said, "Zeal for your house will consume me…I always do what pleases the Father" (Jn 2:17, 8:29). This should be our over-riding aim as well. Paul said our motivation should be, "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31).

Paul was consumed by a cause that he was convinced was 'of God' (Act 8:3, 9:1-2; Phil 3:6; 1 Tim 1:13). Then Christ confronted him and through this divine encounter Paul took the opposite stance (Act 9:20-22). He went from being a fanatical persecutor of Christians to, undeniably, the greatest advocate in Christianity who wrote much of the New Testament. However, he was not content with his present level of relationship as he said, "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (Phil 3:12). This was after being beaten, shipwrecked and experiencing many intense hardships (2 Cor 11:23-28). We will face setbacks and times of weariness, but like Jesus who looked beyond the cross to the result, we must press on (Heb 12:2).

Nehemiah and the wall builders "Worked with all their might," not diverted or distracted by slander, physical threats or intimidation (Neh 4:1-3,6-9). They "prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat." We must enlist the help of God and be focused on He who is for us rather than the opposition and what is against us. While we must be proactive to do what we can to answer our own prayers, understand it is not human power, persuasion techniques or relying on natural charisma that can accomplish anything of lasting eternal value, rather it is the anointing and blessing of the Holy Spirit, "The Lord working with us" (Zech 4:6; Mk 16:20).

Characteristics of Righteous Drive

Be obedient to your God-given purpose by applying yourself diligently, with enthusiasm and determination, motivated to keep going, having a passion and conviction to see the task finished. This will include having "your hearts fully committed to God and obeying Him...devoting yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful...Being wise in the way you act...making the most of every opportunity. Letting your conversation be always filled with grace" (1 Kgs 8:61; Col 4:2-6).

Do I consider myself righteously driven?

Whatever we do for the Kingdom of God, there will be spiritual opposition, pressures to overcome and discouragement, along with the temptation to 'just take it easy'. Regardless of obstacles and setbacks, with God's help be determined to press through and win. Persistence and stamina are required to keep going in the tough times when everything seems to be going against you. How desperate am I to attain? Will I pay the price or do I have a haphazard, short-term and 'easy option only' approach?

The person who keeps the 'heavenly vision' in mind makes all things serve that purpose; they remain dedicated and are not sidetracked, or taken out of the race by Satan's schemes, provided their devotion and zeal are correctly grounded in Christ (Rom 10:2-3). Gone is the mediocrity, the casual half-hearted 'if it works out' attitude, being replaced with a burning compulsion within to give it their best effort for "The love of Christ compels us…" (2 Cor 5:14). They don't consider the personal cost or sacrifice, instead pushing themselves while restricting what competes for their attention. Such people take ownership and responsibility seriously.

Drive is needed to accomplish our dreams

Maintaining Balance in Spiritual Drive

To maintain a focused impact and the impetus of personal drive, ignore all diversions and don't diversify into other worthy causes which will dilute your effectiveness in your core responsibility (Act 6:1-4). Do not be caught up in the non-essential things that others do, when they are just drifting along.

Those with forceful natures can exploit people in their intense drive to accomplish and despise those who lack the inner compulsion they possess, yet those considered less dedicated may be just as committed in another essential area. Sometimes 'driven' people fail to be sensitive to the needs of others and the contributions they make or do not realise God has many other workers too (1 Kgs 19:10; Rom 11:3-4).

Balance must be maintained also in looking after their own selves and meeting family responsibilities. Driven are prone to burnout because they are reluctant to delegate. Even our physical bodies have numerous different parts that work together for us to function properly (1 Cor 12:12-30). We should apply our efforts (drive) in all these areas.

In faith, we too should see the potential of unrelentingly following God and live purposefully with a clear goal and ambition to reach our divine destiny. What is our motivation? Being responsive to what God calls you to do will bring Him glory, while striving to meet selfish objectives will end in futility and heartache.

Reflection and Application:

How might understanding your own motivation and drive help you serve God more effectively in your daily life?
Consider areas where you may be operating in your own strength versus relying on God's anointing and power.
Reflect on the balance between being driven for God's purposes and maintaining healthy relationships with family and others.
What diversions or distractions might be diluting your effectiveness in your core God-given responsibilities?