What or Who Drives Your Initiatives?

What or Who Drives Your Initiatives?

In a world that constantly encourages ambition, personal success, and self-promotion, it’s easy to start new projects or goals without pausing to ask one crucial question: What or who is driving my initiatives?

This simple but profound question can help us discern the true motivation behind what we do, whether in ministry, business, relationships, or personal growth.

Two Possible Sources of Motivation

Every initiative that is born in our hearts is influenced by one of two sources:
    1.    The Enemy’s Voice
Satan may push us to take action with the goal of feeding our ego, building our own image, or chasing personal success without regard for others. These types of initiatives are often rooted in pride and self-sufficiency. They may look good on the outside, but their ultimate aim is self-glorification.
    2.    The Voice of the Spirit
On the other hand, when God moves through His Holy Spirit, He inspires us to take initiative not for personal glory, but to serve, to bless, and to build His Kingdom. These Spirit-led initiatives are marked by humility, purpose, and a deep desire to love others through our actions.

How to Know the Difference

So how can we tell which voice is leading us?

A practical way to evaluate our motives is to reflect on where we invest our time and energy. Are we more focused on personal development for recognition and achievement, or are we pursuing spiritual growth and intimacy with God?

Initiatives born of the Spirit are often preceded by prayer, quiet reflection, and surrender. They may not be the loudest or most impressive, but they bear fruit that lasts.

A Biblical Example: David

The life of King David offers a powerful example. In 2 Samuel 8:6 (NKJV), we read:

“Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became David’s servants, and brought tribute. So the Lord preserved David wherever he went.”

David was a man of action, strategy, and leadership. But what set him apart was not just his skill—it was who guided his initiatives. Scripture makes it clear: “The Lord preserved David wherever he went.” God was the one giving him victory. David’s success wasn’t driven by personal ambition, but by obedience to God’s direction.

A Call to Examine Our Hearts

This reflection invites us to pause and ask ourselves:
    •    Are my current goals God-inspired or self-driven?
    •    Am I seeking my own success, or am I building something that honors God and serves others?
    •    Do I spend more time preparing myself for human approval or growing spiritually in dependence on the Lord?

When we surrender our initiatives to the Lord, He does more than we can ask or imagine. He not only leads us—He preserves us in the process.

Let God be the One who drives your steps. Let the Holy Spirit guide your ideas, your vision, and your mission. In doing so, your efforts will have eternal impact.

If this reflection spoke to your heart, share it with someone you know. Let’s inspire one another to move forward not by ego, but by the Spirit.

Pastor Rammy Robles