Friday, October 28, 2022

Porch #66 * Clarify Your Motivation

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Compassion fatigue, burnout, ministry fatigue syndrome.  That's what we've been talking about this week.  The overwhelm, frazzled, exhausted, running-on-empty that hits us, that left untended morphs into who we become and what we're known for.  

Even when we've been doing what we thought was the right thing.


Maybe it's not what we're doing.  Maybe it's why.  Here's a question to help us clarify.  It's a simple one.  Yet it invites us to do a bit of digging to discover what's really going on inside.  Thank God that the Holy Spirit specializes in guiding us into all truth (John 16:13).  

As you deal with your daily 

situations and relationships, 

what things tend to 

control your heart?

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Fear?  Pride?  Position?  Anger?  Ego?

Shame?  Frustration?  Regret?  Desperation?  

Hurt?  Guilt?  Control?  Frustration?  People-pleasing?

If we're coming from one of these unhealthy places, we will feel like we're never enough and we'll always push ourselves harder and harder, trying to fill the desperate void inside.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
- Psalm 139:3-4

Who controls us?  Shapes our goals?  Gives us freedom to make wise decisions?

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So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
- 2 Corinthians 5:9

You must each decide in your heart how much to give.  And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully."  And God will generously provide all you need.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

Linda

Up Next - Part 3 - Nudges Toward Wholeness

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42 comments:

  1. ♡ ♡ ♡ - Debby

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  2. May we all see ourselves as God sees us - worthy of love and grace.
    Blessings, Linda! Glad to be back from our trip. :)

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    1. And I'm glad you're back, too. Don't you feel like a new person?!
      😎

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  3. Maybe it's not so much WHAT controls our hearts, as much as WHO. Is it myself? Is it the world (or someone else in the world I am trying to please), or is it Jesus Himself?

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    1. Amen, Allison. May it always be Jesus alone. There is no other way.
      ✝️

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  4. Such necessary questions, Linda. To dig deep into the WHY we do things and WHO is actually controlling us. You give us much to ponder here, my friend. Thank you. Love, hugs, and blessings to you!

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    1. I hope this is helpful, friend. He is our burden bearer, He is the One who makes straight our path. What a relief as we make it our goal to please Him alone.

      Thank You, Jesus.
      🌞

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  5. Linda, Have been encouraged by your last 2 postings on ministry fatigue. Thank you for sharing your gifts. ❤️🙏

    * subscriber email response

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    1. What joy to serve Jesus and others alongside you. I feel blessed indeed, friend.
      👭

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  6. Thank you, Linda. Your posts always make me dig deeper. Who is actually controlling me? My prayer is that I allow Jesus to be the controlling One! Have a lovely weekend!

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    1. He loves us more than anyone could possibly could. It's a relief to give the reins over to Him, isn't it. That's where the peace is ...

      Have a good weekend, Pam. I'm sure you'll make it lovely.
      🍄

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  7. Such helpful questions, Linda. I'm thankful that God is faithful to answer the prayer in Psalm 139:3-4. Looking forward to the practical steps in your next post ...

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    1. For sure, Lois. He doesn't abandon us even when what He finds is ugly. What a wonderful Savior!
      ✝️

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  8. Are these emotions because we lack faith perhaps?

    God bless.

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    1. You're right. And/or the emotions show up and we let them call the shots instead of following the Lord's lead ...
      😒

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  9. Yes, I recognize myself in some of those emotions and motivations, especially people-pleasing. Just recently I read that people-pleasing is a form of idolatry as I seek the approval of others, making idols of other people. At its worst, people-pleasing can become a form of self-worship! How ugly is that?! And here all this time I thought people-pleasing was a weakness, when actually it's a sin. / I too look forward to your next post, Linda!

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    1. Making idols of people. Oh that's a scary thought isn't it ... and a situation that could creep into so subtly. May the Holy Spirit keep shining His light into those recesses deep in our hearts. I'm so glad you brought this up, Nancy.
      🕯️

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  10. Thank you, Linda.
    Your posts are always so insightful and inspirational.

    Hugs and blessings 🙏

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    1. Oh I'm glad you've found something encouraging here, Veronica. God is good ...
      😉

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  11. Pausing to reflect upon your words and questions.
    Visiting today from G&T

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    1. Thanks for wrapping up your weekend with us here, friend. I hope it was a good one for you!
      🌞

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    2. Thank you so much for sharing this series with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.

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  12. Oh I loved reading this post this Sunday late afternoon. It ties in with exactly what two friends and I discussed this week. Wow! God is confirming one more time to me to be aware of what and whom controls my heart. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Cindy, hi! And isn't it encouraging to know that we're not alone, that we're all works-in-progress? So grateful to do life with others in the same boat! God is so good.

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  13. Sorry I'm late to this party Linda. The weekend is not a "fruitful time" for me to check Feedly. Anyway, I think the whole issue of "why?" is one we all face. I know I do As a pastor, why do I do what i do? Why do I help? Why do I make myself available? The questions go on. Motive and motivation are two keys to consider when we do anything.

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    1. I hope this weekend was fruitful in all the ways that matter most. I'm guessing Monday might be your day off? But is there ever really a day off!! I hope there's some rest and quietness for you and Jo.

      Thanks for putting those questions on the table. These days I seem to be asking fewer 'why' questions and more 'what' questions. It's helping clarify things that seem to have no answer.

      'Lord, what are you inviting me to?' tends to be a real eye-opener.
      😏

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  14. This is really helpful, Linda! It's important to understand the emotions and thinking behind what we do.

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    1. For sure, Lesley. Getting clear about what's happening in our heads and hearts helps us figure out the best ways to respond.
      😏

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  15. What I do is what I be,
    and sometimes I'm a joke
    in wander'd search for a doobie
    that lets me sit and smoke
    and watch the sad world fade away
    to where it can't be found
    until some better, brighter day,
    so I'm cannabis-bound...
    but you know I'm kidding, right?
    I've never touched the stuff,
    because I do prefer the fight,
    and never get enough
    of a right hook to devil's jaw,
    and thus with smile enforce God's law.

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    1. 'a right hook to devil's jaw'

      love that.

      last night a little person in our extended family welcomed Jesus into her heart. on Halloween night. talk about 'a right hook to devil's jaw.' Thank You, Lord!
      ✝️

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    2. AMEN! Filled our hearts with such joy.
      💝

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  16. Ooh Linda, I am convicted as I squirm a bit when examining my motives and what controls or pushes me? My motivation may not come from a positive place (people pleasing, pride, etc.) and so the ministry fatigue settles in. Too often I ask God what He wants to do "through me" and I don't focus on the work He wants to do "in me." Great food for thought this am!
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

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    1. You're in good company, Bev. None of us have arrived. I love what you said about focusing on what God wants to do 'in me.' As we invite Him in to do His work, He'll equip us to do His work.

      What a wonderful Savior!
      🤚✋

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  17. These are such powerful questions, Linda. I'm considering them as a few hit home. Thank you!

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    1. Considering with you, Tammy. It's a journey, isn't it ...
      🛣️

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  18. Linda, I so appreciate your thoughts and scriptures here. What especially resonated was the reminder that, when we're in an unhealthy place in our thoughts, we can pray Psalm 139:3-4. Though this is probably my favorite psalm, these verses are not quick to come to mind when I'm dealing with fear, anxiety, pride or the like. Such a practical application of God's word. Thank you for this reminder.

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    1. Isn't it wonderful how God's Word keeps us company in all seasons ... and each time we read we can receive a fresh message or a new blessing?! So grateful ...

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  19. II Corinthians 5:9 - what a blessing and just the words I need to meditate on tonight. Thank you for the encouragment!

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    1. Jennifer, how good to meditate on His Word as the sun sets and we wind down our days ...
      🌜

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