Why Your Motive Matters -Daily Hope with Rick Warren - April 9, 2026
Discover why a shift from self-centeredness to a Jesus-centered motivation is the key to overcoming frustration and finding true fulfillment in life. Learn how focusing on your "why"—Jesus—unlocks God's approval, regardless of your methods or outcomes.
“Our message is not about ourselves. It is about Jesus Christ as the Lord. We are your servants for his sake.”2 Corinthians 4:5 (GW)
If you want to be used by God, you need to remember this: It’s not about you; it’s all about Jesus.
“It’s not about you” is the exact opposite of everything you’ve been taught. Our entire culture appeals to self-centeredness. Advertisements everywhere tell you, “You’re number one! Do what’s best for you! Think of yourself first!”
But you’re not the center of the universe—God is. That’s why, when you make every problem, opportunity, and criticism about yourself, you become frustrated and unfulfilled. And you eventually become bored because life is so much more than living for yourself.
The Bible says, “Our message is not about ourselves. It is about Jesus Christ as the Lord. We are your servants for his sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5 GW).
Twice in this passage, Paul says it’s all for Jesus. It’s “about Jesus Christ,” and it’s “for his sake.” In other words, learning to follow Jesus is about motivation.
There may be a hundred different things you could do with your life, and God might say: “Because I made you and shaped you, any of those things would be fine with me.”
But God is far more interested in your motivation for doing something than in your methodology. You could be using the right method and be very successful in life. But if you have the wrong motive—greed, competition, envy, or guilt—it won’t count with God.
On the other hand, you could do everything wrong and fail in so many ways. But if you have the right motive—Jesus—then God says, “That’s good enough.” God is more interested in your “why” than your “what.”
The Bible says, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17 NIV).
Have you found yourself bored or frustrated with life? Choose to make Jesus your motivation today. You’ll find the joy of living for something bigger than yourself.
Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
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