Welcome to Equipped for Purpose, where we dive into practical tools, biblical insights, and real-life strategies to deepen your relationship with Jesus and grow as a leader. In this post, we’re tackling a subjective yet vital topic: the motives behind being a disciple of Jesus Christ. Why do we follow Him, and why do those motives matter? Let’s explore how our motives shape our actions, reveal our hearts, and influence our journey with Jesus.
What Is a Disciple?
Before diving into motives, let’s clarify what it means to be a disciple. At its core, a disciple is a follower of Jesus who seeks to live out His teachings, love as He loves, and surrender to His will. I’ve shared a working definition on the podcast that I hold open-handed, ready to adapt as the Holy Spirit leads:
- A disciple is one who places intentional trust and loyalty in Jesus Christ as the Messiah.
- They take daily action to grow in Christ-like transformation.
- They purposefully share the gospel with others.
This intentionality sets the foundation for our discussion on motives. So, what drives us to follow Jesus?
Primary Motives for Following Jesus
Our motives as disciples are deeply personal, but several primary drivers often emerge. Here are five that stand out:
- Response to the Cross
The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is the cornerstone of our faith. His death and resurrection reconciled us to God, pulling us back into His family. My works—my efforts for the kingdom—aren’t about earning favor or salvation. They’re a heartfelt response to what Jesus has already done for me. This motive fuels my daily commitment to discipleship. - Love for God and Others
Love is a powerful motivator. As disciples, we’re called to love God and extend that love to others, even those who oppose us. Every person is an image-bearer of God, regardless of their choices. Choosing to love them reflects our commitment to Christ’s teachings. - Gratitude for His Sacrifice
Closely tied to the cross is a deep gratitude for Jesus’ willingness to live as one of us, face temptation, suffer, and die for our sake. This gratitude inspires me to live in a way that honors His sacrifice. - Desire to Glorify Him
I want my actions, worship, and conversations to glorify Jesus. While I don’t always succeed—traffic jams test my patience!—this desire shapes my decisions and pushes me to grow. - Hope for the Future
As Christians, we carry hope because death and evil have been defeated through Christ, even if we’re still awaiting the full manifestation of that victory. This “already but not yet” reality motivates us to live with anticipation for God’s promises.
Aligning Motives with Jesus’ Teachings
Pure motives reflect Jesus’ call to selflessness and devotion. In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus warns against practicing righteousness to be seen by others, urging us to give in secret so our hearts remain focused on God, not human praise. Similarly, Luke 9:23 challenges us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. This daily dying to self reveals our true motives and aligns us with His will.
Consider Peter’s journey. He started with impulsive declarations, like rejecting Jesus’ predictions of His death or denying Him during His trial. Yet, by the book of Acts, Peter emerged as a humble leader spreading the gospel. His motives evolved from seeking earthly outcomes, like overthrowing Rome, to advancing God’s kingdom. Our motives, too, can grow as we walk with Jesus.
Challenges to Pure Motives
Even with the best intentions, obstacles arise that test our motives. Common challenges include:
- Pride and Seeking Recognition
The temptation to garner attention can creep in, shifting our focus from glorifying God to glorifying ourselves. - Fear of Rejection or Failure
Following Christ invites rejection, as Jesus Himself warned. Public failure stings, but adopting a “fail forward” mindset helps us learn and grow. - Worldly Pressures
Chasing status, comfort, or riches can choke out our faith, as Jesus illustrates in the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:3-20). In this parable, seeds sown among thorns represent those whose faith is stifled by worldly cares. Yet, seeds in good soil—those with pure motives—bear fruit thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold.
These challenges don’t mean we’re out of God’s will. In fact, they may indicate we’re exactly where He wants us, as the enemy seeks to derail our progress. Viewing struggles as opportunities to refine our motives draws us closer to Christ-like character.
Practical Steps to Align Your Motives
So, how do we cultivate and maintain pure motives? Here are some actionable steps:
- Pray Honestly
Be open with God about your struggles. Don’t suppress doubts or fears—bring them to Him in prayer. Ask for guidance to refine your motives. - Journal and Reflect
Journaling helps you process your thoughts and track your growth. Quiet the noise of life, grab a notebook, and write about what the Holy Spirit is revealing. Reflecting on your journey creates space for deeper conversations with God. - Seek Community
Surround yourself with other believers for accountability and encouragement. In-person community is especially powerful, though online connections can also provide support. Share your discipleship journey, pray together, and uplift one another. - Ask Reflective Questions
Regularly evaluate your motives with these questions:- Why do I follow Jesus? (If the answer is overly complex, dig deeper.)
- Where do my actions not match my faith?
- What’s pulling me away from wholehearted devotion?
My Journey with Motives
Let me share a personal example. Early on, I struggled with a desire to be known—a prideful urge to be recognized. Through prayer and reflection, the Holy Spirit shifted this motive. Today, I want to be known in community as someone who loves others, prays with them, and offers guidance, not for ego but to reflect what Jesus has done for me. This transformation didn’t happen overnight, but it’s proof that motives can evolve with God’s help.
A Lifelong Journey
Discipleship begins in the heart and evolves as we grow. Challenges refine us, and the Holy Spirit guides us. Regular self-checks through prayer, journaling, and community keep us on track. Most importantly, remember that discipleship is a lifelong journey. If you ever feel you’ve “arrived,” it’s time to check for pride. We’re all on this path together, at different points but united in purpose.
Your Challenge This Week
Take time to pray and examine your motives. Ask God to reveal what drives your discipleship. Then, spark this conversation with those around you—help them explore their motives too. Approach this with honesty, grace, and hope, knowing you’re equipped for the purpose God has called you to.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. If this post resonated with you, share it with someone who could benefit. Connect with me on social media or through my website, and let’s keep equipping each other for purpose. Until next time, go make an impact!