MOTIVATION!

Motivational signs and slogans are interesting to me. You may have noticed that businesses often place inspirational posters near the time clock, staff refrigerator, or in the staff meeting room. Here are some stimulating slogans I have seen over the years.

• In a dog kennel near the grooming area, the sign said: “If you are leaning you’re not cleaning – GET TO WORK!”

• In a restaurant kitchen was a picture of seven forks. One fork was totally bent out of shape. Underneath were the words: “Just because you are unique, does not mean you are useful.”

• In a baseball dugout the sign said: “You can’t steal second with one foot on first.” And another said: “Save your drama for your Mama, we’re here to play.”

• In a Firehouse the sign said: “What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.”

• In a Police station the sign said: “Your families sleep peacefully tonight because officers of courage are awake to protect them.”

• My personal favorite is a poster in a department store staff lunch room. It was a picture of men in white pants and shirts, and a red neck scarf, and red waistband. They were in Pamplona, Spain, and running in front of a herd of angry bulls. Underneath the picture were the words: “Just because you’ve always done it that way doesn’t mean it’s not incredibly stupid.”

What does it take to motivate you to lose weight, exercise more, or pray with passion? Rarely does a pithy adage or even a stirring sermon change a lazy sleeper into an overcoming warrior. But the words of Jesus are powerful. What could be more motivational than John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Jesus also said in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

To you, what is the most motivational statement Jesus ever made?