The examination of motives is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the importance of inner intentions over outward actions. Scripture consistently emphasizes that God looks beyond external appearances to the heart, discerning the true motivations behind human behavior.

Biblical Foundation

1. God's Insight into the Heart: The Bible affirms that God possesses the unique ability to see into the human heart, understanding the true intentions behind actions. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." This passage underscores the divine focus on internal motives rather than external appearances.

2. Purity of Heart: The Sermon on the Mount highlights the importance of pure motives. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." This beatitude suggests that purity of heart, which includes sincere motives, is essential for a relationship with God.

3. Testing of Motives: Proverbs 16:2 states, "All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed by the LORD." This verse indicates that while individuals may justify their actions, God evaluates the underlying motives, revealing the true nature of one's intentions.

4. Hypocrisy and Sincerity: Jesus frequently addressed the issue of hypocrisy, where outward religious actions were not matched by sincere motives. In Matthew 6:1, He warns, "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." This admonition highlights the importance of aligning one's motives with genuine devotion to God rather than seeking human approval.

5. Self-Examination: The Apostle Paul encourages believers to examine their own motives. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, he writes, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." This call to self-examination is a reminder that believers should regularly assess their motives to ensure they align with their faith in Christ.

Practical Implications

1. Prayerful Reflection: Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance in examining their motives. Psalm 139:23-24 is a model prayer for this purpose: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

2. Authentic Worship: True worship requires sincerity of heart. John 4:24 states, "God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." This verse emphasizes that genuine worship arises from a heart aligned with God's truth and spirit.

3. Integrity in Service: Colossians 3:23 advises, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men." This instruction encourages believers to serve with integrity, motivated by a desire to honor God rather than seeking human recognition.

4. Love as the Ultimate Motive: The Apostle Paul identifies love as the highest motive for Christian conduct. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, he explains that without love, even the most impressive actions are meaningless. Love, therefore, should be the driving force behind all motives.

The examination of motives is a vital aspect of the Christian life, calling believers to align their inner intentions with God's will and to pursue actions that reflect genuine faith and love.