"A long time ago the people of earth started building a tower that they hoped would reach to heaven. Scripture tells us that the reason they built this tower was not that they fancied the idea of getting to heaven, but so that they could "make a name for themselves" (Genesis 11:4).

[Little has changed today except perhaps that now we make a name for ourselves by razing high towers to the ground.]

In mercy, God confused their language so that they could not finish the tower - but God's ultimate purpose in doing so was to help them to overcome the almost universal misconception that the purpose of life is to make a name for ourselves.

Sure, these people were pretty demotivated when they could not complete that tower, but what had been their motivation?

The lesson has been hard for man to learn, however, for today we still find people working hard and in every which way to try and make a name for themselves - and, ultimately, to enjoy the fleeting bounties that are showered on all who do succeed in making a name for themselves.

But are riches, and honour, and fame the great goals of life? Did Jesus wear any costly robes? Did He drive round in an elegant carriage? Did He wear a diamond-studded crown? Was He noted for His sporting prowess - or, to put it more correctly, for His ability to beat His fellow man into second place? Was He known for His good looks, or His wealth?

On the contrary, Jesus came to teach us that the purpose of life is far removed from what the movies and the commercials make it out to be. Many more books have been written about Him than about any other man. Many more sermons have been preached about Him than about any other man. He has had an infinitely greater impact upon our planet than any other man - and yet he wore a simple robe and an ordinary pair of sandals. Jesus surely did make a name for Himself, but that was not His intention. The purpose of His life was to live for others and, ultimately, to die for others, and He is inviting us to make this the purpose of our lives.

So if you are demotivated today, we would like to offer you a sure remedy. Do something, right now, to make somebody else happy. Go out and smile at a stranger. Telephone someone who you know would appreciate your call. Visit someone whom you know to be lonely. Give a little more than you would normally give to a beggar or to someone in need.

Do anything to focus your life on the needs of others, and you will find a wonderful sense of meaning and true purpose coming back into your life.

Then, having tasted the rewards of kindness, and having gotten your priorities re-focused, you will find plenty to be motivated about. Then, with the true purpose of life in mind, take God as your partner and set out to make a difference in our sad and troubled community - and think big because . . .

'Jesus' life presents a perfect manhood. Just that which you may be, He was in human nature.' (5BC1124)

'He exercised in His own behalf no power that is not freely offered to us.' (DA24)

'To every one who offers Himself to the Lord for service, withholding nothing, is given power for the attainment of measureless results.' (7T30)

'God makes no requirements without making provision for its fulfillment. Through the grace of Jesus we may accomplish everything that God requires.' (COL301)

If you feel that you are without hope, please click here

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If you would like to know more about Jesus and His life, please click here