What Is Motivating You?
As we approach Resurrection Sunday, the Church is collectively reflecting on the great price that Jesus paid for us—laying down His life so that we could be made right with Him. He was the perfect example of servant leadership, washing the feet of His disciples shortly before making His way to the cross. If there was anyone worthy of receiving public praise, seats of honor, and fancy titles, it was Jesus. However, He modeled the opposite and told us to do the same:
“The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11-12 NLT
Sometimes this can feel disappointing when we realize that the ultimate goal in following Jesus is to be a servant. That doesn’t sound fun at first glance. But Jesus promises us that “losing” our lives and following His lead is where we truly find the joy and satisfaction we all so desperately want (Matthew 16:25; John 10:10).
So let’s be honest: why is it that many who give their all to serving others seem to be miserable? Not everyone, of course—but we’ve all met that one volunteer who is heavy-burdened by their responsibilities. Maybe you’ve been there yourself.
It’s common for us as Christians to read Jesus’ words about servant leadership, immediately know it’s the right thing to do, and dive in headfirst to serve in hopes of pleasing Him. We lean into doing more with the underlying motivator of earning our keep—thinking that if we don’t do enough, He might become disappointed in us. This kind of servanthood is driven by obligation and often leads to resentment. We may even hope to receive something in return—whether it’s appreciation from those we serve or extra “jewels in our crown” in heaven.
But Jesus’ servanthood looked different. He washed the feet of Judas, knowing he was about to betray Him. He washed the feet of the rest of His disciples, who were unknowingly on their way to abandon Him in His darkest moments. He didn’t do it for their appreciation. He did it simply out of His great love for them—and for us.
He did it for everyone, so that all would have the opportunity to be made right with God, even though some will never choose Him.
Our motivation for servanthood—just as our Savior modeled for us—must be love.
It begins when we receive His love. When we truly experience the love of God, we no longer serve out of obligation. We understand that we can’t earn His love. It is undeserved, and that is what makes it so wonderful.
It continues when we genuinely love others. We serve best when we don’t expect anything in return. There is joy in giving to someone you love and watching their excitement—and that is the same joy we should feel when we serve others. We have received the greatest gift in Jesus. As He loves and forgives us, He calls us to love and forgive others. And as He transforms our hearts, serving others begins to flow more naturally—not because it’s effortless, but because it comes from a place of genuine love.
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 not to give reluctantly or in response to pressure. While this passage specifically refers to financial giving, the same principle applies when we give of ourselves in serving others. If we serve out of pressure, we will become weary and develop attitudes that don’t reflect Jesus well. Notice His words here:
“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 NLT
Loving God and loving others comes first—everything else should be an overflow of that.
Are you serving others from a place of obligation or from love? This Easter, may we rest in the love of our wonderful Savior that naturally compels us to serve others with joy and fulfillment, reflecting His character in everything we do.
