Motives Matter

Does God care about my motives as long as I do the right thing?

God’s Response

I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives. 1 Chronicles 29:17

The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives. Proverbs 21:27

When you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4

God is as interested in your motives as in your behavior, for eventually, selfish and sinful motives produce selfish and sinful behavior. People can find an excuse for doing almost anything, but God looks behind the excuses to the motives of the heart. Check your motives by asking, “Would God be pleased with my real reasons for doing this?” and “Would I still be willing to do this if I knew everyone would find out?”

This Is Promising

The LORD’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive. Proverbs 20:27