Good Motives

TALKING TO GOD

Thank God that He motivates you to do the right things. Ask Him to help you bring Him honour through your good choices.

DIVING IN

Make a “good deeds chain”. Cut several strips of paper into equal lengths. On each strip, write one good deed you could do for a family member or friend. Using glue or tape, form the strips of paper into interlocking loops (a chain). Each family member can remove one loop per day and do that good deed for someone else. Here’s the catch: don’t tell the person that you did it. Let goodness be your focus instead of getting recognition for doing something good.

GOING DEEPER

It’s nice when you’re noticed for doing good. But you shouldn’t do good deeds simply because you want to be noticed by others. Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1). The reason why you do something (motivation) is just as important as what you do (good deed). Your love for God and your desire to please Him will motivate true goodness. Your love for Him is the best motivation for doing good because it brings God honour.

TALKING TO EACH OTHER

• Share a story when you did something good because you wanted to be liked or noticed by others.
• Is it more difficult to do a good deed if you know no one will notice it? Why or why not?
• Why is God pleased when you do good deeds in secret?