Our motive in christian service is directly linked to our eternal reward.

2 Corinthians 5:14-16
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

What are our motives for working in the church or in ministry? Is it to be seen or to hear the praise of others? According to Apostle Paul, the only reason for our sacrifice of time and talent is the constraining love of Christ. If our work or service is done for any other reason, it is done in vain.

The constraining love of Christ presses, compels and stirs the believer to duty. This inexplicable love of Christ is only realized when the believer thinks in terms that Christ died for all. In other words, “one died for all, therefore all died.” Christ’s death is a representative death for all mankind. This is a sacrificial love that only Christ could have extended to us (Galatians 2:20).

Through the mystery of Christ’s love we are made sons and daughters, with all the rights and privileges granted in His kingdom (I John 3:1). The love of Christ is not like man’s love — it’s unchanging and forgiving (Jeremiah 31:3; Ephesians 4:32).

In view of the fact that the constraining love of Christ sees more in us than we could ever see in ourselves, whatever we do in the service of the Lord should done “heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” By doing so, our reward comes from the Lord because we serve Him (Colossians 3:23-24).