Motivation
The following is a summary written by a mother who was asking for advice concerning her unmotivated child:
Mark,
As per your request here’s the e-mail of our conversation today (8:00pm for you). Thank You so much for taking the time to talk to me!!!!
My question:
“How can I motivate my children to follow God, obey me and do a job well, etc.?”
What I heard and retained of your advice:
God gave the ultimate sacrifice – Jesus – to die for our sins. This is our ultimate motivation to please God. We want to please Him for all He’s done for us. Not only did He die for our salvation, but He is with us always, second by second, through struggles and frustrations in life. We can call on Him for peace, joy and strength anytime. He is faithful. We have peace in His mercy, joy in His grace, and we pull through life's struggles with His strength. He is also our “LIFE EXAMPLE”.
So as mothers the more we show love sacrificially, the more our children will be motivated. When we encourage them and praise them they do well. When they sacrifice, play for example, to clean their rooms they are motivated to do as we ask in order to receive praise and encouragement for the job well done. When they have no fear of rejection they are motivated to keep doing well. They truly want to make us happy as we want to make God happy in our tasks.
Though I must admit that your statement “Show love sacrificially and they will be motivated” really got me to thinking. I don’t think I have truly given myself to sacrifice. Now I do all the things I must – an appearance of sacrifice – because it’s my job and all I do I do well. I am a perfectionist!!! Trouble!!! As I examined myself closely I found I do what I must for the pride of perfection, NOT out of true sacrifice. WOW – a slap in the face! This really shocked me. I’ve always had a deep feeling that I was doing something wrong but there was no tangible evidence that I was. Make sense? Outwardly I portray a great mom and wife but inwardly – NOT!!! God knows my heart. (which by the way felt unclean)
The book you recommended (our last conversation) “Families Where Grace is in Place” really came to life after this conversation. It’s slowly been working on my inner soul, but tonight it spoke volumes.
I am vowing to change this. I desire to sacrifice self out of love, unconditional love for my family. Now that I realize my motivation and its devastating emptiness, with God’s help and guidance I know I will be transformed. I will model true sacrifice and inspire and motivate my children all to the glory of God!!!
Thank you again!!
God Bless you and your family!!
May your ministry grow in abundance!!!
