Inspired or Motivated
In a recent conversation with a president of a large national organization, he stated to me, “I wish my executives were more inspirational and less motivational.“
We spent the next 30 minutes unpacking exactly what that meant. We went back-and-forth about the nuances of each word and how they were similar, but yet different. I was curious as to how he thought he could encourage his senior leaders to build inspirational activities and values on the team.
Q: What do you think are the differences between motivation and inspiration?
I have to admit, the intelligent discussion left me thinking about my personal leadership journey, and how it is connected to my faith.
The terms "inspiration" and "motivation" are related but have distinct differences:
Inspiration refers to a deep sense of enthusiasm, creativity, or uplifted spirit that comes from an external or internal source. It often involves being influenced or stimulated by something that sparks new ideas, emotions, or aspirations. Inspiration can come from various sources, such as witnessing acts of kindness, experiencing natural beauty, or listening to meaningful stories or teachings. In the context of faith, Christians can seek inspiration from God, the Bible, and the lives of other faithful individuals.
Motivation, on the other hand, refers to the inner purpose or reason that compels us to take action or pursue a particular goal. It involves the desire to achieve something, whether it's driven by personal ambition, external incentives, or a sense of duty. Motivation can come from tangible rewards, recognition, personal fulfillment, or the need to meet certain expectations.
As a Christian leader, I believe our inspiration should primarily come from God and His Word, the Bible. We seek guidance and wisdom through prayer, studying scripture, and developing a personal relationship with God.
Additionally, we can find inspiration through the lives and teachings of other faithful Christians throughout history, as well as by observing the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of fellow believers today, even our Corpath brothers and sisters.
Consider these scriptures of “inspiration”:
Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This verse emphasizes the importance of God's Word as a source of guidance and inspiration.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." This verse encourages reliance on God's wisdom and direction rather than solely depending on our own understanding.
Joshua 1:8 - "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." This verse highlights the power of meditating on and obeying God's Word, leading to success in our endeavors.
Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." This verse emphasizes the importance of immersing ourselves in the Word of Christ and using it to encourage and teach others
As I continued my discussion with this corporate leader, we also discussed what it meant to feel uninspired and unmotivated. I have to admit, there have been many times in my career where I have felt both of those things. Yet, trying to get out of the rut seemed difficult, cumbersome, and sometimes took much energy.
When Christians feel uninspired, there are several actions we can take:
We can seek God's presence:
Spend time in prayer and seek God's presence. Openly express your feelings of feeling uninspired, to God and ask for His guidance and inspiration.
Engage in scripture:
Dive deeper into the Bible and meditate on God's Word. Sometimes, reading specific passages or stories can rekindle inspiration and provide fresh insights.
Praise and worship:
Engage in worship through singing, music, or other forms that will uplift your spirit and draw you closer to God. Praising God can help shift your focus from your own feelings to His greatness and goodness.
Connect with fellow believers:
Seek fellowship with other Christians who can encourage and support you. Engage in conversations about faith, share experiences, and learn from each other's journeys.
Engage in service:
Often, serving others can reignite inspiration. Look for opportunities to serve in your church or community, as acts of selflessness and compassion can bring a sense of purpose and rekindle your passion for Christ.
Take Time for rest and reflection:
Sometimes, “uninspiration” can be a sign of burnout or exhaustion. Take time to rest, recharge, and reflect. Allow yourself moments of solitude to reconnect with God and evaluate your priorities.
Remember, inspiration can ebb and flow in our faith journey. Trust in God's timing and be patient, allowing Him to renew your spirit in due time.
My Prayer:
God, I think you for this message today. I, too, have felt times when I am uninspired and unmotivated. I pray that I would remember to connect deeply with you and your Holy Spirit, as well as my Christian brothers and sisters, as a way of re-energizing and reigniting passion for growth in my relationship with you. Thank you for the times that I feel completely motivated and inspired. Amen.
Blessings as Always!
Steve Shrout
President, Corpath Forums
Email: president@corpath.ca
"Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit"
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.
