Motive vs Motivation
Last month I mentioned that I had chosen the word “motive” for 2026. A few comments made about that post got me to thinkin’. Several people interpreted my confession as a motivational one. And that is certainly true a lot of the time. The misunderstanding opened up a discussion.
Motivation is having a strong propensity to act for a specific reason or outcome. It’s the action. Our writing group has a mantra about finishing a project, BIC. Butt in chair. The only way to write is to sit down and do it! A deadline motivates me, even a self-imposed deadline. A to-do list is my motivation. It gets my BIC.
On the other hand, motive is the goal or object of my motivation. Motive is the why of my action. That’s the one that is fueled but good or bad action. When my motive is to be noticed or recognized, I am fueled by pride. Look what I can do! If my motive is to serve, it’s humble and fueled by love, Look what the Lord has done!
What is the motive behind serving in church, being on the worship team, teaching a class? Spending a day at the foodbank? Tithing? I confess I’m certainly motivated when the outcome will bring me recognition or acceptance or tangible rewards. Thus, my word for 2026. Motivation is not always a humble activity. But it should be.
Luke warned against those whose motive is to elevate themselves. “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14NLT Think about that!
