God Knows Your Real Motives

Lord, how can I live with purer motives?

Seek my Kingdom above all else, and live righteously. People may be pure in their own eyes, but I examine their motives. I search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.

Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 16:2; Jeremiah 17:10

What are some signs that I am acting with the wrong motives?

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others. Give your gifts in private. When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly where everyone can see them. When you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to me in private. Then I, who see everything, will reward you.

Philippians 2:3; Matthew 6:1, 4-6

How can I prayerfully ask you to point out my misguided motives?

Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.

Psalm 26:2

We must be willing to allow God to search and examine our motives and point out where we aren’t completely sincere. Ask him where your motives might not be fully honest. Are there areas of selfish ambition? Was an act of kindness done just to make you look good, or did you truly want to help? Do you ever try to bargain with God or manipulate him in prayer to promote your kingdom over his? Confess impure motives to God so that he can help your actions come from a pure heart of service to him.