In our consideration of how to spur others on (Heb. 10:24), we must remember that …
Everybody isn’t at the same place, and everybody isn’t like us.
Sometimes people have needs that hold them back.
This suggests that we must meet people where they are if we hope to be instrumental in motivating them.
To Motivate People, Remember That People Aren’t at the Same Place
People come to our churches and ministries with different backgrounds, belief systems, gifting, personalities, and ministry experience. Being at different places brings unique needs, issues, and time availabilites. A one-size-fits-all approach in our training and discipleship efforts may not yield the results we hope. What motivates one person might not spur on the next person.
- Ask: How can we better acknowledge, accept, and affirm individuals’ unique needs and contributions?
When calling fishermen to be His disciples Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. If we offer what fits within people’s God-given design or season of life, eventually the unmotivated may become motivated.
To Motivate People, Remember That Sometimes Their Needs Hold Them Back
Like it or not, we live in a world where people ask themselves, “What’s in it for me?” In an ideal world, people would get involved simply because they love the Lord. While that motivation certainly should be encouraged and nurtured, we must be realistic about where people are now. Meet their lower level needs and eventually the unmotivated may become motivated in the higher areas.
- Ask: What can we do to help free people up from what holds them back?
Jesus took a holistic approach. He met basic physical needs, like feeding the multitudes and healing the sick as well as meeting their deepest spiritual needs. It’s about tapping into where people are rather than where we think they should be or want them to be. We must remember that just because something would be beneficial to us, doesn’t mean it will be for others.
To Motivate People, Meet Them Where They Are
“People tend to understand no more than one stage above where they are.” (quote from Teacher’s Role in Discipling Students toward Spiritual Growth Resource) Trying to take people too far beyond where they are usually leads to frustration, maybe even despair. Meet people where they are and build upon it, taking them to the next level.
- Ask: Where are people? What is their next step?
Jesus would often use common, familiar objects to transition into spiritual truths, taking people from what they knew to the unknown.
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