Proverbs 16:2(AMP)
All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes [and he may see nothing wrong with his actions], But the LORD weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth].
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. 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’s not looks that count 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, reasons stated for our behavior. 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, “Do not eat the bread of a selfish man, Or desire his delicacies; For as he thinks in his heart, so is he [in behavior—one who manipulates]. He says to you, “Eat and drink,” Yet his heart is not with you [but it is begrudging the cost]. The morsel which you have eaten you will vomit up, And you will waste your compliments.” 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 definitely reap the harvest, we must always be mindful of our actions. On the day that the Lord will come, He will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of, inner motives, purposes, and prayers. Only then will any one of us 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 determines where you will end in life and in 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.