What do these all have in common? A $100 savings bond – doughnuts – a beer and a shot – hot dogs – a chance to win airline tickets or a new vehicle – a $500 food card – cheesecake – a dessert on a stick?

Those are all items offered by various businesses to motivate people to get the COVID19 vaccination. I know there are two sides to this whole pandemic. There are those who see it as a real threat to themselves and others. And there are others who see it as overblown, or fiction or as an attempt to regulate how a person lives.

Those people who were waiting to get the vaccination until conditions were better may say to themselves, “Well I was going to get it anyway and those doughnuts really look good.” Maybe, just maybe, a person who is dead set against the whole idea of the seriousness COVID19 might say to himself, “I don’t really believe all this stuff, but this is a chance for an airline ticket to visit my kids.” It all depends on the motivation.

According to Websters Dictionary motivation is “the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.” As I live my life it is very obvious to me that my motivation for the choices I make is changeable. Depending on my mood, the circumstances and my desired outcome, my reasons for living the way do often differ. Some may say that is normal and the smart way of doing things.

As a Christian, my motivation is often far from where it needs to be. As an example, each morning I am emailed a passage of the day. This morning it was Isaiah 55:8-9 Certainly my plans are not your plans, and your ways are not my ways, declares the Lord. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my plans are higher than your plans.

I am not necessarily a superstitious person, but my first thought was “Great! What is God going to interrupt in my planning for today?” My reaction was motivated on pure selfishness. I knew what I had planned for today and my desired outcome. Of course what I plan is always best.

However, as I Christian, I know the reality shared in Romans 5:8 But God shows his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1. I am a sinner

2. Out of complete love for me. Jesus gave up his life and paid for my sins which I could never do.

3. Because of that grace, undeserved love, heaven is now mine.

4. Jesus is there, every second of everyday, watching over my life as a loving Savior and brother.

When I understand that Isaiah passage in the light of the grace or undeserved love that has been shown to me, how can God’s plans and thoughts be anything but a blessing for me? When I see my relationship with my wife as a response to the grace I have been shown, how can it be anything but love and respect no matter how crabby I am?  

There are hundreds of choices I make each day on how I spend my time, the words I use, and my dealings with others. When my first motivation is to keep me on top–the result is always disastrous.

When I use these opportunities to reflect to to others the grace I was shown, then I see that God’s thoughts and ways are far above mine. I may not see how the outcome is what I want. But it will always be in my loving God’s plan for me. Is there really anything better?

Oh, by the way, I did get the COVID19 vaccinations a while ago. I am 68 in one of those groups most encouraged to get the vaccine. But to be honest, that doughnut sounds really tempting.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you again. I will wait you.

My favorite lyrics from this song share what is the only thing that make me want to change.