Motivation

Somebody did a research on a group of monkeys. The researcher found that the two ways to motivate monkeys are reward and punishment. Then, he applies the theories to human beings, and concludes that the two (major) ways to movitivate people are $ and fear.

I thought about it....really?

Apostel Paul forgoes his old way of practice after he met the resurrected Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. The change, as he descirbes it in his letters to churches and individuals, comes from Jesus, who died on the cross and rose for all of us. It is love that changed him, but not money nor fear. As a matter of face, he was sent to prison and suffered much for his mission.

Does Paul do all the work for reward in heaven? Reward is a result, but not a motivation or purpose of work. Many missionaries even today are called to missions because they love God. Such love becomes a motivation. Chang of heart and mind from God is the cause of action, that produce long-lasting and life-changing effects.

Another example, Thomas Edison: he worked very hard in his invention, because he loves his work. He is curiouse to nature, and he dedicates his life in invention. Do you think he was motivated by money or fear? Do you think he was working for a big corporation and he had to meet deadlines in order to get paid for his first light bulb?

The researcher may conclude the reward as spiritual satisfaction, rather than money, as a reward. Then, I would accept it easier. However, it is hard to conclude it this way, because he/she was researching on monkeys, that do not have spirits but somachs.