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Motivation as a Catalyst: Differences Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

Motivation is a cognitive and unconscious catalyst force that moves a person to action. Derived from the Latin term movere, motivation becomes intrinsic or extrinsic in nature depending upon stimuli acting on the body and mind. These stimuli are apparent through mental processes, external forces, or spiritual influences.

Our previous two articles elaborated on perception, sensation, and reality. This article will examine differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. In case you missed them, you can read them below:



Motivation As a Catalyst


Behavior modifications are situated on the will, sometimes absent from stimuli or present and existing therein, harbored in the parietal cortex. The will becomes apparent in morals and can be evaluated with emotion (i.e., love, hate, compassion, jealousy, etc.) and intellect (George et al, 2020, p. 206). These behavior modifications are heavily influenced by reinforcer catalysts known as intrinsic, extrinsic, positive, and negative reinforcers.


Differences Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation


Behavior modifications are shaped by the intrinsic and extrinsic mentioned subsequently, dependent upon a cognitive goal, subconscious goal, or an external force seen or unseen. Extrinsic reinforcement can be displayed by bruteness, naturalistic (instinctual) responses such as moving away from danger that is initiated through the sympathetic nervous system, or a reward system. For example, if a child is doing poorly in school or activity, a negative reinforcer can be used to reduce behavior or a positive reinforcer can be used such as candy or recreation time when the child studies or practices (George et al, 2020, p. 165). Intrinsic reinforcement is displayed by “increasing a behavior in the future that comes from an internal source” (George et al, 2020, p. 165). Both forces are mentioned in the Bible, driven by external forces, people, or through God Himself (New Living Translation, 2013, Genesis 3, 5, 25, 1 Samuel 7. 27, Esther 5, Job 7, 37, 38, Acts 2, James 3, etc.).


Motivation Displayed Through Values and Purpose


The cognitive goal that comprises the meaning of life is finding purpose. These cognitive goals will also become an external force, a catalyst for mission. “Intersecting Areas That Comprise Purpose” (George et al, 2020, p. 4) illustrates how purpose fuels the force of motivation in four intersecting areas of life. These four areas are passion, mission, vocation, and profession.


Passion ignites emotional motivation (an internal recognition of what a person loves to do) intrinsically. Mission, in retrospect, is an extrinsic force displaying what the world needs. Vocation (earning a living) ties mission and passion together to form a unique intrinsic-extrinsic unity. Finally, profession (pathway to income) is the last cognitive building block that creates another unique intrinsic-extrinsic bond that welds passion, mission, and vocation together. All these aspects derive from values and the over-arching theme of purpose. The Bible exemplifies purpose by displaying the four areas mentioned above within the context of motivation. When one has a regenerated mind, values are correlated to morals in divinely inspired ethics (New Living Translation, 2013, 1 Peter 2:9, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Jeremiah 32:19, Proverbs 19:21, Ephesians 2:10, etc.).


For more similar articles, please see the below publications:

  • Examining Ethical Approaches to Morality

  • The A-Z Alphabet Attributes of God

  • The A-Z Alphabet Attributes of God: Letter A

  • Alive in Christ

  • Mirrored Touch Synesthesia

  • How to Build a Spiritually Lasting Legacy

Afghanistan Crisis


The support to those in need during the Afghanistan crisis is currently ongoing.

Blissful Faith has partnered with ABWE International to help provide for refugees and international Middle East Missions. If you are able, and after seeking God regarding the matter, we urge you to give (and a non-cash offer if you would like) to help the less fortunate AND be a voice for the voiceless. The body of Christ needs to step up and not depend on our government. The following links are below: Pastor X's missionary group, ABWE's relief fund, and our donation form. If God is not calling you to give, please join with us in prayer for the following requests:

  • The deliverance of the Afghan people, the American citizens, the troops, and Christians as they endure persecution and face death

  • The Salvation of the Taliban

  • The endurance, protection, and courage for missionaries


Human Trafficking is Today’s Slavery


The numbers of the victims of human trafficking and the stories behind the numbers are why Blissful Faith is partnering with nonprofit organizations to help fund rescues and recovery programs for those entrapped in bondage. Each number is a person. You can be the one to help make a difference by purchasing a shirt (coming soon to the blog in a few weeks) or by ordering a downloadable product currently in the store, in which proceeds will go to nonprofits that seek to give a voice to the voiceless. See more on human trafficking from my previous articles below:

  • The Price of Freedom

  • Knowing Freedom

  • The Fight to Preserve Freedom

Blissful Faith started as a lifestyle and branched into a blog to help others hear about Jesus Christ and how they too can develop a blissful faith through knowing God. This blog’s purpose is to be an evangelical outreach to further the kingdom of Christ. Furthering the kingdom means stretching outside of the comfort zone, comprehending and working towards meeting the needs of others. Putting faith to action keeps it from becoming stagnant.


Blissful Faith Merchandise


The Blissful Faith Merchandise store helps both this blog to grow and to meet the needs of others. About 8-10% of the proceeds will go to The Exodus Road and Agape International Missions to help combat human trafficking. The funds will help assist in rescue operations, providing shelter, and recovery programs to those in bondage.


Answers in Genesis Affiliation


Disclaimer for the links below: I am currently an affiliate with Answers in Genesis and will earn a commission if the links below are clicked–at no extra cost to you. PLEASE NOTE: bidding and explicit material is prohibited on this platform so the links are safe to use.


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The evidence in support of the Bible: The Lie: Evolution/Millions of Years


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Answers in Genesis book: The NEW Answers Book 1


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Alpha Defense Company Affiliation


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