Motivations

Why do we do what we do? Why do we strive to keep God's commandments? Why do we do it when we're feeling happy? Why do we do it when we're feeling sad? These are important questions, especially in relation to economics, the study of incentives.

Obviously, these are difficult to answer questions so I will just share a few thoughts on the topic.

First thought: Perhaps our motives are better than we think they are

I do a lot of things mostly because I want to avoid the immediate and persistent feeling of guilt that comes from not keeping God's commandments. . . then I feel guilty about having that motivation. . . it can be an unpleasant downward cycle. But I gained a new insight from this scripture when the prophet Alma asks his people,

 "and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light. . . Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him. . .that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?" (Mosiah 18:8,10) after which the people agree and clap for joy.

 It's interesting to note that at this point the people want to be God's people, and are willing to serve each other. With that motivation, they agree to keep God's commandments so that then they can have more of God's Spirit. Aren't we at least willing, if not desirous, to help others when they have difficult burdens? I imagine we usually are. This people then goes on to have their "hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another" (Mosiah 18:21).

Second thought: God loves us so he gives us tools to help us through the good and the bad

When times are good, I believe that the motive of gratitude can help us to keep the commandments. 

When times are bad, I believe that "hope for a better world. . . maketh an anchor to the souls of men" (Ether 12:4). Life is a period of testing, and I am grateful for the many motivations that help me overcome my naturally self-interested tendencies: duty, habit, gratitude, knowledge of consequences, and love. I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ that redeems me from sin and helps me to have a gentler and more loving heart.