Motives: “Why Do I Do the Things I Do?” (Resources for Changing Lives)

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!

This booklet made me think about my heart’s motivations. It was really helpful for my husband and me to read together. I highly recommend it!

The few insights I guess are what the book is worth but there was much more left wanting. I’ve recently started reading Jay E. Adams & found what was wanting. Started with “Competent to Counsel”I think the problem is little tracts like this in every brand of its kind write with a person who isn’t very well read as there focus—so this means they have to take a general and narrow road to write effectively. I might stay away from small tracts like this after this one. Definitely recommend the larger books by this Author, Jay Adams, John Street, etc.

Looking for your true motives behind your actions? This is a great quick read that is well worth it. Don't expect to be coddled here, he tells it how it is, but not without understanding. I plan on using this periodically as a mirror to examine progress in my sanctification.

Once again, in miniature fashion, Dr. Ed Welch helps the reader understand his/her motives based on the true nature of the heart, and offers practical steps to achieve genuine biblical change through Jesus Christ. A good appetizer to his other writings like "Running Scared" and "What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care?".

Pithy with Quality and Helpful Content.

excited to read

A very helpful & insightful reading. Ed Welch brings out forth a lot of wisdom in learning to know ourselves better.