Page 62 - Biblical Counseling II-Textbook

highest motivation in everyday living; earning a paycheck; changing diapers and cooking dinner;
disciplining children; or keeping the car clean and the lawn mowed?

It all starts with the “first and great commandment.” When you love God with all your heart, soul and
strength, obeying His commandments is no longer legalism but a love motivation.

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

The Apostle John wrote, “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He
who says, ‘I know Him’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him. But
whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him”
(1 John 2:3-5 NKJV (my emphasis)) (Hackett, p. 1-2, 2018).

8.4 Let’s Practice

1. List the six needs on Maslow’s hierarchy.

2-4. Write out three scripture passages that describe Biblical motivation.

8.5 Let’s Personalize This Lesson

Think about what motivates you. Perhaps you connect with a need on Maslow’s list.
How does your understanding of Biblical motivation connect with the motivation you
identified? Are they the same, or different? Take some time to pray about this and
consider what God might be asking you to do regarding motivation.

OR

Think of something you did recently that caused you to feel either pride or shame. Can you identify
what may have motivated that action? Is it something on Maslow’s list? Something from scripture?
Take time to pray about the source of this motivation. Perhaps it is a prayer of confession, or a prayer of
thanks. Ask God to help you to re-focus your motivation to be like Jesus’. Now, consider the actions of
someone you know well. Are you able to see what may be motivating them? Pray about what you
observe, and also pray about your role in helping them understand a Christ-like approach to motivation.

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