When it comes to motivation and discipline there are two tried and tested methods - the carrot or the stick. One promises a reward for the right behaviour, the other a punishment for the wrong behaviour.
In this short video we see the success of the carrot.
Today we looked at Hebrews 2 in which we are warned of the importance of paying very careful attention to what we have heard in regard to our faith, in order that we don't drift away. And although there are a few pointers as to what happens if we don't pay careful attention (e.g. not escaping judgement...), the motivation is much more carrot than stick.
The bulk of this chapter is again focused on Jesus. On the truth that he became fully human, that he died on the cross, that his death in some way means we can know forgiveness, that he knows what we are going through in our difficulties and that he is therefore able to help us.
It is important that we pay careful attention to what we have heard. That we spend time studying the Bible and in prayer, and that we put into practice what we learn to be the truth. But our motivation should not be out of fear of what we escape, but rather out of a desire to know better the Jesus who loved us and gave himself for us.
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