Motivation for the Christian

[222 words] “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that … we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11). I recently saw a picture labeled “motivation.” It was of a man racing up the hill on his bicycle with a bear not far behind him. A doctor’s diagnosis might motivate a man who rarely leaves his couch to exercise and eat healthier. A death of a loved one often motivates people to read their Bibles and obey the gospel. So, what motivates Christians to persevere in their faith over the long haul of life? It’s one thing to know that we should live for Christ and not ourselves—how many lessons must we hear about this over the course of a lifetime?…