Ask about being stagnant: How often does this happen?: We don’t know what to do next…on a school paper, in a relationship, when you are bored, during a sports game, after you do something wrong, & in your walk with God.
Ask about why we do things: Why do you do what you do? What motivates you to proceed? What is your ultimate goal?
Talk about an example of getting motivation: Let’s look at an example…At school, your goal is not to fail. You do this because you want to get into a good college. You choose to go to college because your parents want you to go and you want to obey them. You obey your parents because you want to follow God’s commandments.
Ask about the example: Is this you? Do you live this way? Is there something else that is your motivation?
Ask about the ultimate goal: What should be our ultimate goal? Who or what should be our motivator?
Read Colossians 3:18-25, specifically vs. 23: ”work with all your heart, as working for the Lord”
Talk about the verse: Verse 23 basically tells us to do everything for the Lord and with our full effort.
Ask about obtaining what the Lord wants: How can this be obtained?…Awareness is the answer. We need more awareness of the following: our own actions, our sinful tendencies, God’s presence in our lives, how we are seen by others, what God wants from us, etc.
Provide silly realistic demonstration: One may say, “How do we gain this awareness? I am so unaware and am easily influenced by others”. I would advise this person to read Colossians 4:2-6.
Read Colossians 4:2-6: Devote yourself to prayer. Be watchful and thankful. Look out for blessings and good things that you may ignore and take for granted. Pray that you proclaim God’s love clearly. Be wise, not foolish, with and toward others. Make the most of every opportunity. Pray that you and your conversations will be full of grace.
Ask about steps we should follow: What are some steps to follow to help make God the ultimate motivator in life?
- Learn what God wants
- Know what God wants (Memorize scripture)
- Be aware of your own actions
- Be aware of how you can please God
- Do what God wants you to do
Talk about the steps: After going through these steps several times, your self-awareness and awareness of God will be strengthened. Through this, you will have a better understanding of why you do things and how to motivate yourself.
Ask about being more aware: Why should we be more aware?
Read Isaiah 1:1-31: If we are not aware, we will default to doing sinful things because it is in our nature to do so. Also, we may forget who our master is and the power He has over us. Verse 10 indicates to us that we should listen to the instruction of our God. Verse 16 tells us to wash and make ourselves clean. Verse 19 and 20 say, “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land, but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword”. I wouldn’t want to be near that sword…
Ask about what we should do when life gets tough: What should we do when life becomes more difficult and you don’t know what to do?…Keep pushing forward and make God your motivation.