I’ll be re-posting and completing an unfinished series asking the question “What drives us?” We’ll look into why we do, think and feel the way we do. Can’t promise it will be epic, but it has been a long-time in coming.
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The core idea is this: we either make our decisions based on God’s promises in the Gospel, or on something else. What is that something else? What drives us? What motives lie beneath the surface?
The idea came to me while meditating on the difference between guilt as a motivator and curiosity, joy, passion, etc…. and for context I must say I was driving. In fact, over a two-minute drive home my mind was flooded with a list of a dozen words that start with “P,” and all describe why we do what we do. I couldn’t pause and jot down notes quick enough. In a future post I will share the scriptural background, and how these motivations interrelate. Plus, how I have used these categories in pastoral counseling.
So, what drives us?
Consider this one relatively easy to identify: our preferences.
Situation … response:
- When all is well in my life … I feel like my relationship with God couldn’t be better.
- When trials enter my life … I try to move on to a better situation.
- When I am criticized … I am sometimes hurt, and move on to other people, places or things.
- My relationship with God is … a high priority, but doesn’t necessarily impact every square inch of my life.
- Motivation: Preferences
- When I sin … I am actually probably more aware of others’ failures than my own.
- I trust … in those who meet my needs and wants
- My greatest strengths/weaknesses are …
- [strength]: my ability to make wise choices;
- [weakness]: those (morons) around me.
- [strength]: my ability to make wise choices;
- My identity is found in … my refined tastes and desires.
