A Reflection On Motives

When I want to bring glory to God, not to myself

Many people do their acts of righteousness in order to bring praise to themselves. It’s a hollow righteousness that may earn compliments and status, but it’s nothing that God will honor. Truly righteous acts come from hearts that seek God’s glory—and God’s glory should never be hidden. Those who do good works with a right heart never point to themselves. They point to God, and are glad to do so. Their works cause others to marvel at God’s grace and power, not a human being’s goodness.

It’s a constant temptation to do things for our own glory. We must examine our motives for the good things we do. Do we seek God’s glory? Are we realistic enough to know that anything good coming out of our lives comes from His grace and mercy and not from our own purity or ingenuity? The rewards of heaven are reserved for those who are background players to the glory of God. We must magnify others’ view of Him without drawing attention to ourselves.

Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.

Matthew 6:1