In the Christian faith, the concept of pure motives is integral to understanding the nature of true righteousness and sincere devotion to God. Pure motives are those intentions and desires that align with God's will, free from selfishness, deceit, or hypocrisy. The Bible provides numerous teachings and examples that emphasize the importance of having pure motives in one's relationship with God and others.

Biblical Foundations

The Bible consistently underscores the significance of the heart's intentions. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord reminds Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." This passage highlights that God evaluates individuals based on their inner motives rather than external appearances.

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of motives in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:1-4, He warns against performing righteous acts for the sake of human recognition: "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." Jesus emphasizes that acts of charity, prayer, and fasting should be done in secret, with the sole aim of pleasing God.

Examples of Pure Motives

The Apostle Paul serves as a model of pure motives in his ministry. In 1 Thessalonians 2:4, he writes, "Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts." Paul's dedication to preaching the gospel was driven by a desire to honor God rather than seeking human approval.

Another example is found in the account of the widow's offering in Mark 12:41-44. Jesus observes a poor widow who contributes two small coins to the temple treasury and commends her for giving out of her poverty, unlike the rich who gave out of their abundance. Her offering, though small, was made with pure motives, reflecting her trust and devotion to God.

Warnings Against Impure Motives

The Bible also warns against the dangers of impure motives. In James 4:3, it is written, "And when you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures." This verse cautions believers that prayers driven by selfish desires are not aligned with God's will and are therefore ineffective.

The Pharisees are frequently cited as examples of religious leaders with impure motives. In Matthew 23:5, Jesus criticizes them, saying, "All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels." Their actions were motivated by a desire for public admiration rather than genuine devotion to God.

Cultivating Pure Motives

Believers are encouraged to cultivate pure motives by seeking God's guidance and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform their hearts. Psalm 51:10 is a prayer for purity of heart: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." This plea reflects the desire for inner renewal and alignment with God's purposes.

Philippians 2:3-4 further instructs Christians to act with humility and selflessness: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." By prioritizing the well-being of others and seeking God's glory, believers can ensure their motives remain pure.

In summary, pure motives are essential for a life that honors God and reflects true Christian character. The Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of aligning one's intentions with God's will, offering both examples to emulate and warnings to heed.