Proverbs 16:2 (KJV)
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.
The English dictionary defines motive as a reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious. Our anchor Scripture says that God weighs and examines the motives and intent of the heart. It confirms that God sees and knows the desires of our hearts. In other words, behind every move, God goes deeper to discern the motive behind them. He can see things about us that no one else can see. While we may perceive our actions as pure and righteous, God ultimately discerns our true motives and intentions. Our self-perception can be biased, but divine judgment sees beyond our outward appearance to the depths of our hearts. The Lord sees the dark and hidden things, those inner thoughts and desires in our hearts and minds. He looks at the beauty and honesty in our hearts. In God’s eyes, it does not look that counts but our hearts. That means He is more pleased with someone who does things with the right motive. The condition of our hearts is vastly dominant to God. It is essential to know that with God, actions are weighed(1 Samuel 2:3). God is more concerned about the motive behind our actions than the actions themselves. King David admonished his son Solomon to know and serve God with a perfect heart and willing mind. For the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts(1 Chronicles 28:9).
There is always a reason that motivates us to take action. Our motives give purpose and direction to our actions and inactions. They are said to be pure or sincere if they align with our declared purpose. That is, the reasons for our behavior are stated. In other words, motive is the driving force of a man’s actions. The truth is no human being on earth acts without a definite motive. When we set out to do things, no matter how noble or spiritual, the motive behind them must be genuine. Proverbs 23:6-8 says, “Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, Neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; But his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, And lose thy sweet words.” Many have wicked ambitions other than our pleasure and prosperity motivating their offer. However, wise men recognize a man’s motives and determine whether a meal is justified. Since everything we do is a seed and will reap the harvest, we must always be mindful of our actions. On the day the Lord comes, He will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of, such as inner motives, purposes, and prayers. Only then will we hear “Well done!”(1 Corinthians 4:5).
Beloved, desire to please God and not live to please yourself nor man. Because when you desire to please God, His hands lead your motives. Let the intention behind every action always be uncontaminated, uncorrupted, and right because the reason behind what you do can affect your relationship with God and determine where you will end in life and eternity. Do not be driven by consensus but by conviction. Resist the temptations of this world and see what God will do with your life. Ensure you have a correct, genuine, and sincere motive behind every action, for God sees beyond your actions; He sees your heart. With the right motivation, you are humble before God. If you live according to what is right in your own eyes, repent, turn from your ways, and seek God with all your heart. Today, make knowing God through His Son, Jesus Christ, your priority. Yield yourself to Him and let Him shape your character. Serve Him with all your might and let your heart be perfect towards Him, for the Lord examines the motives of your heart. It should be the hope and security that fuels your faith.
O Lord, I ask for forgiveness for every wrong motive. I receive the grace to cultivate and maintain the right motive in everything I do in Jesus’ Name.