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Edward Welch. Motives: Why Do I Do the Things I Do? Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing, January 1st 2003. 30 pp.
5 out of 5
Purchase: Westminster | Amazon
This is a biblical counseling booklet by author and counselor Edward Welch on the topic of motive. I read this booklet because it is a part of a wonderful counseling booklet series called “Resources for Changing Lives” published by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing. I have enjoyed and benefited from other titles in this series and this particular work also proved to be helpful, edifying and sanctifying!
The topic of this booklet might at first seem too general and broad that some might wonder how this booklet can be helpful. However one must have a biblical understanding and view of motives as part of the prerequisite of true and lasting change. Thus the booklet’s discussion of motives is helpful for bringing about real change. After completing this booklet I realized this can be a helpful “follow up” resource to some of the other booklets in the same series. For instance say someone read the series’ booklet on depression or anger; one might want to follow up next with this booklet on motive to further probe the root of one’s depression or anger.
I love how in the introduction the author tells us right away that people are complex and mentioned the analogy of icebergs and onions to describe human complexity (like icebergs there’s more under the surface than above it in regards to people and also like onion people have multiple layers). Within the first page the booklet also defined what are motives which the author defined as “why we do it.” Next the booklet makes the case that motives are important, followed by a section on idols of the heart. I enjoyed the second half of the booklet more than the first half; beginning with the second half there’s an excellent discussion of why we pursue idols that I found quite helpful such as the idea that idols are not one’s ends but instead is the means in which we fulfill the true ends which is for one’s own self and desire. The final section of the booklet is on change from the heart.
Again this is an excellent biblical counseling resource not just for the reader who is reading this for his or her own sanctification and holiness but also for the biblical counselor. Specifically for the counselor the book presents many excellent questions that are extremely helpful to ask the counselee to draw out the motives from the person’s heart. These questions are found on pages 4, 15 and 22-23 in the book. As a pastor I jot down these questions as I believe it is important to discover and/or demonstrate to someone what their motive is rather than simply making an assertion about someone’s motive. Even if a counselor have a high probability of knowing the counselee’s motive it is still important to ask questions to draw out the answer from the person so as to avoid unnecessary conflict when someone feels the counselor is being presumptuous and also to let the counslee discover it themselves since often sin does blind people concerning their true motivation. Again people are complex; yet this booklet is helpful!
Good review! Yes, the root of these surface problems is often very deep. From what I’ve read, and observed myself, people can be deeply troubled by incidents/circumstances from back in their childhood, even though they may now be in their 50s, 60s, or 70s.
Wow thanks for sharing this…as I’m still some distance away from 50s and 60s. Never thought much of whether childhood would impact so deeply even that deep into adulthood….though when I think about it some more that does make sense! That makes me see the responsibility of parenting even more soberly. Hope you are having a blessed morning!
Thanks, have a good sleep and a blessed Saturday!
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Thank you for the reblog!
Yankee Whiskey Bravo 😎🤙
Thanks for the great resource. Yes, parenting is so important. I have been so impacted for the good by Godly parents.
Love this:
“Even if a counselor have a high probability of knowing the counselee’s motive it is still important to ask questions to draw out the answer from the person so as to avoid unnecessary conflict when someone feels the counselor is being presumptuous and also to let the counslee discover it themselves since often sin does blind people concerning their true motivation.”
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading this review and sharing the excerpt that you like; how are you doing?
Doing great thank you. It is a stunning day in paradise.
It’s been my experience that not only can childhood experiences influence us, but also childhood experiences of our parents. Good or bad, it can pass generation to generation.
Yes that’s true concerning the two way street with parents and children. I’m also grateful because of the ministry of the New Covenant through Christ’s saving work and the ministry of the Spirit sanctifying us we can also break long generational patterns of sins. What a glorious Gospel amen?
Amen!
Thanks for leading us to resources like this! Blessings to you!
I love the author so I’m going to order this on Amazon.
Finished it tonight. Helpful. Thank you for this review.
This sounds like it was good that you commented again?
Thanks. It is good to see some honest and accurate assessments of our motive; this is why I love nouthetic counseling.