A pilgrim climbs up to the site of a cathedral's construction during England's Middle Ages. He stands in awe as he watches thousands of workers collecting stones, hauling materials, chiseling reliefs and building complex arches. He studies a group of men working on a wall and asks them exactly what it is they are doing.

One man—focused on the task at hand—wipes his brow and says, "I'm placing this stone at the top of this arch to form a keystone."

Another man drops his tools, which he is using to carve an image of Jesus, and pulls an apple from his pouch. He explains, "Couldn't find work back home, but I heard there were plenty of jobs here, so I moved my family to make a better life for us."

A third man, in the midst of chiseling a relief depicting the story of Adam and Eve, pauses and turns to say, "I am here completing the work of God because he has called me to his service."

Three men, all working on the same project, but each sees his work in a different light. And the way they see their work—how they define exactly what it is they're doing—reveals a part of their motivation for their work.

I think of this story when I lose sight of what truly motivates me. When I take the time to open God's Word and meditate on what truly and completely motivates me, I am reminded of the joy found in doing all my work for God's glory. And I am reminded of the pleasure my work brings God. Psalm 147:11 says, …he takes pleasure in those who honor him, in those who trust in his constant love.

What is motivating you today?

If you're struggling to find your motivation in God, reflect on these Bible verses and remember that God cherishes the work you do for him:

1 Corinthians 10:31 (GNTD)

Well, whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do it all for God's glory.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (GNTD)

And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (GNTD)

So then, my dear friends, stand firm and steady. Keep busy always in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord's service is ever useless.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (GNTD)

To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of: to God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen.