Wisdom and Love as Motivators

There are many things that motivate us, but one of the most powerful motivators is fear. But is fear really a good motivator? And is it necessary to use fear to motivate people?

Preaching a message on “fire and brimstone” may cause people to run initially, but then, in the long run, it does not really cause people to mature. Instead, they are only holding on because of the fear factor.

As parents, Anita and I often face challenges like most parents do. However, what we recently felt impressed by the Spirit of God was that if we are looking to motivate our children to make good choices in the long run, fear really does not work.

If we condition our children only based on fear, eventually that fear may wear off. To add to it, human nature is always curiously trying to do exactly what we are warned not to do. For example, tell a child don’t touch the hot iron; he or she will eventually go and touch it. I hope you are getting what I am trying to bring across?

On the other hand, wisdom is a much better motivator than fear. When I teach the church or even my kids, I try and focus on why a particular thing needs to be done. I find that though it takes some time and effort, people are more likely to listen when they see it for themselves. Fear may bring short term gains, but wisdom always brings long term and lasting gains.

Fear, on the other hand, torments a person and often brings condemnation. Also, when we use fear as a motivator, people may follow your directions till the time you are watching, but once you leave the scene, they go back to doing what they think is important.

2 Timothy 1:7 tells us the good news that as a Christian, you and I were not given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. 1 John 4:18 says that perfect love casts out fear. The more you focus on God’s love and His provision, the better you will be able to overcome fear.

Scripture says, “God-lovers make the best counsellors. Their words possess wisdom and are right and trustworthy.” (Psalm 37:30 TPT) As you pursue the love of God, divine wisdom will begin to operate in you, such wisdom that cannot be bypassed.