Are you motivated or inspired? Let’s say for a minute that motivation is effort towards getting yourself to do something you don’t want to do because you’re afraid of the outcome if you don’t. And let’s say inspiration is when you want to do something because you’re curious and hopeful about how it could make your life better.
Jesus describes life in Him as water bubbling up.
I don’t know about you, but my motivation has never bubbled up.
But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14
And the Lord will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11
He also says not to be afraid so many times it isn’t even a BIBLICAL approach to life. Unfortunately, it’s the root of my actions a lot of times. I don’t drink soda because I’m afraid I’ll get osteoporosis. I avoid late nights for fear I’ll be worthless the next day. I drink water to stave off headaches.
Inspiration on the other hand, bubbles up. I remember a morning when I had a green smoothie before yoga and felt light and energetic on the mat. I thought, “Hmm…I wonder what I could do if I fueled my body well more of the time.” It was born out of hope of something better, not fear of something worse.
So I’m changing how I think about my habits. I take vitamins out of love for my body and hope for the wellness I’ll enjoy. I exercise because I dream of being a strong, agile old lady one day and I may choose something besides soda from that same dream.
Jesus asks us to become like little children and one of the most remarkable things about kids is how much energy they have. Maybe it’s because they’re carefree and everything they do is inspired.
