As a reader of this blog I must say I count it an honor that you are reading this, but let me be honest with you. This is my first rodeo. Now, I could say be patient with me, don’t ruffle my feathers too much, etc. but I am not treading in that water. I think what CQ Missional is trying to accomplish with this interaction is real conversation as we share tough questions, feedback, and our deep, heart felt issues. So let’s try it. Be nice, but let’s challenge each other to the core of who we are, what we believe, and why we believe it. Who knows this just might make us better people, leaders, followers, spouses, employees, and more.

Growing up in a pastor’s home in a strict, almost legalistic at times, denomination I have always been struck with the thought: “Why do I do what I do?” Do I wear certain clothes so others might see me and think “that guy is a follower of Christ?” Do I get myself up on Sunday mornings to darken a church door to please myself, my parents, my God, or to fulfill an obligation? Do I work in full-time ministry because that is what everyone told me I would be good at and I didn’t want to disappoint them? I guess what I am trying to get at is this: we are all motivated by something. There is some reason, good or bad, why we put two feet on the floor next to our bed each morning. It could be a pay check, a great job, friends, or a significant someone. It could be because we are destined, called, or because we have purpose in life. It all comes down to motivation. Dictionary.com describes motivation as a force, stimulus (heard this word before?), or influence. If we are honest we are all driven by motivation. Commercials motivate us to buy Mac or PC, Coke or Pepsi, Toyota or Honda, and the list goes on and on. We face pressures to have the the right job, with the right benefits, so we can have the right house, in the right neighborhood, so our kids can go to the right school. We are motivated to attend the right church, with the right pastor, that preaches the right way, and gets us out on time to get a seat at our favorite restaurant before everyone else. We are driven by motivation and this motivation can tell us a lot about ourselves. What are we living for? Who are we living for? What kind of legacy are we leaving behind us?

So I start this conversation by asking a few simple questions: What motivates you? Why does this motivate you? What does this motivation say about you as a person, friend, spouse, parent, child, employee, or boss?