The True Incentive

What motivates you?  Money?  Fame?  Companionship?  Or something more unsavory like revenge or fear?  If any of those is a driving factor, where are you really headed when you employ them?  And what do you actually have when you get there?

What do you think compelled Jesus?  The Bible says he was about his Father’s business (see Luke 2:49).  And what business is His Father in?  Love.  Plain and simple.  (see 1 John 4:8)

Mary Baker Eddy says that Love (another name for God) is reflected in love (see Science and Health page 17). To me that means that the omnipotence of infinite divine Love is made manifest in my capacity to love and be loved, infinitely.  And with that capacity comes an obligation to lift each thought, each perspective, each motive – as much as possible – into the light of Love, to be purified and redeemed.  It certainly takes some practice, and some deep willingness.  But it becomes increasingly natural with every effort to do so.

A  profound truth is that Love never loses sight of loveliness (see S&H page 248).   A realization of that divine fact dissolves what is unlovely whether it’s unhappiness, disease, or any other discord.  Jesus knew that.  His entire ministry was about putting His Father’s love into practice, seeing it made manifest in health, holiness, and harmony.

Love for God and man was his true incentive.  What’s yours?

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.