Wrong Motives

What are some wrong motives?

God’s Response

Why did [Cain] kill [Abel]? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous. 1 John 3:12

Their mouths are full of lustful words, and their hearts seek only after money. Ezekiel 33:31

Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others. Matthew 6:1

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power. “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!” Acts 8:18-19

Your motives matter to God because they expose whether you’re working for God or for yourself. When your motives are selfish or impure, it’s only a matter of time before your actions are also selfish and impure. God is far more concerned about the condition of your heart than he is with your external behavior, because he knows that your behavior flows from your heart. Remember that God alone knows your heart. You may be able to fool others and yourself, but you can’t fool God.

This Is Promising

If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness. Proverbs 14:22