Check Your Motives

Check Your Motives

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7

🔍 Introduction: Why Motives Matter

In life, we often focus on actions—what people do, how they behave, what they accomplish. But in God’s eyes, motives are just as important—if not more. Our why carries eternal weight. You can do the right thing for the wrong reason—and it may not please God at all. Motives are the unseen engines driving our words and deeds. They can be rooted in love, or in pride; in service, or in self-promotion.

Jesus constantly addressed the motives of the heart because it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23). If the heart is pure, the fruit will follow. But if the heart is corrupt, even the most “righteous” actions can become hollow or hypocritical.

❤️ 1. God Sees the Heart

“The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

— 1 Samuel 16:7

This verse reminds us that while humans tend to judge by external performance—God examines the inward condition. You can be doing ministry, giving, singing, preaching, helping, and yet—if your heart is full of envy, pride, or selfish ambition—it doesn’t honor God.

✅ Reflection question: Why am I doing what I’m doing? Who am I trying to impress?

✋ 2. Watch Out for Selfish or Vain Motives

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

— Philippians 2:3

Selfish ambition is a quiet killer. It drives people to serve only when they get something out of it. It causes comparison, jealousy, competition, and burnout. Paul encourages us to be humble—to serve from a heart of love, not ego.

📌 Real life application: Before volunteering, giving, or posting that “good deed” online, ask: “Am I doing this for God—or for applause?”

🕊️ 3. Give and Serve in Secret When You Can

“When you give... do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”

— Matthew 6:3

Jesus taught that the value of giving isn’t in the size of the gift, but in the purity of the heart. When we give quietly—without needing recognition—we are more likely doing it from love.

👣 Try this: Do a good deed this week that no one knows about but you and God.

🎭 4. Beware of Religious Performance

“Woe to you… hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs…”

— Matthew 23:27

The Pharisees were experts at doing the right things with the wrong hearts. Their motives were to impress others and elevate themselves spiritually. Jesus saw right through it.

💡 Modern example: Do you pray eloquently in public, but rarely talk to God in private? Are you more concerned with appearing spiritual than being spiritual?

🙏 5. Ask God to Reveal Hidden Motives

“Search me, O God… test me… see if there is any offensive way in me.”

— Psalm 139:23–24

Some motives are buried so deep, we don’t even recognize them ourselves. That’s why David prays for God to search his heart. It’s a powerful and vulnerable prayer. God doesn’t reveal our motives to condemn us—but to purify and grow us.

🧎‍♂️ Try this prayer:

“Lord, if I’ve been doing anything for the wrong reason, please reveal it. Purify my heart and renew my motives.”

🕯️ 6. Do All for the Glory of God

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

— 1 Corinthians 10:31

This is the gold standard for motives: God’s glory. Whether we’re eating, serving, creating, parenting, or leading—if it’s done for His glory, it becomes worship.

🙌 Goal: Let the glory of God be your ultimate motive. Even the smallest acts take on eternal meaning when done for Him.

🧠 Final Thoughts:

Motives are the hidden why behind our what. They matter deeply to God. You might never get human credit for pure motives—but heaven keeps perfect records. God rewards not just the action, but the intention.

So today, pause and ask:

Am I doing this for God—or for people?

Would I still do it if no one ever saw or praised me?

Am I seeking God’s approval—or man’s applause?

Purify your motives. Do it for Jesus. And remember—He sees.