“When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun.” - Ecclesiastes 2:11 CSB.
The Power of Personal Benefit in Motivating Learners of All Ages
In adult learning theory, created by educator Malcolm Knowles, what’s in it for me (WIIFM) is one key motivator for adults. It’s proven that adults feel exponentially more motivated to learn when the outcome of learning benefits them personally or professionally. It’s safe to say that even kids share this same mentality. They understand a thing or two about rewards. They quickly associate their well-doing with obtaining a prize in the end. I am instantly reminded of my 10-year-old niece, Mia, who is somehow taller than me.
Diligent Efforts and Bold Inquiry
A few months ago, Mia helped my sister, Ashley, wash her new gray Mazda CX-50. She meticulously removed all trash, dirt, and debris from the interior, ensuring its pristine condition. After all of Mia’s hard work, she boldly asked, “What do I get for helping you?”
Gaining God: The Ultimate Reward of Faith
How many of us have asked God a similar question or wanted to know the benefit of our faith in God? Whether in blessings or sufferings, there is a profound benefit to our faith in God. The benefit of our faith is gaining God. In gaining him, we gain everything. Nothing surpasses the knowledge of him, “For in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28 CSB). In most reward systems, the gift is seen as the reward, not the giver of the gift. For the believer, the greatest reward of our faith is knowing the one from whom all blessings flow, not the blessings themselves. God is our reward. King Solomon knew this all too well.
King Solomon had more wisdom than anyone on earth. He acquired many things and built houses, vineyards, gardens, parks, and reservoirs. He had endless silver and gold and many treasures. Yet in still, all that he acquired was meaningless, “When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:11 CSB). He concluded that fearing God and keeping God’s commands should be our aim in life. His father, King David, was no stranger to this understanding.
David: Valuing Divine Understanding Over Kingship
Besides his heart of repentance, what I admire most about David is how he values God more than his kingship. Although being king was highly respected, the reward of his faith in God did not rest in his status or title. The greatest benefit of his faith was his understanding of God.
Nothing surpasses the knowledge of God.
Prayer: God, thank you for who you are. Your word says that you are the vine, and we are the branches. Apart from you, we can do nothing. The ultimate blessing of my faith is gaining you. Allow me always to love you more than anything you give. Amen.
Your Turn: Have you ever questioned the benefit of your faith in God? Why?
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