In the Christian faith, the significance of right motives is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. The Bible emphasizes that God not only observes human actions but also discerns the intentions behind them. This focus on the heart's motives is crucial for understanding the nature of true righteousness and the kind of worship and service that pleases God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently teaches that God examines the heart. 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 does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." This passage underscores that God's evaluation of individuals is based on their inner motives rather than external appearances.

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the importance of motives in the Sermon on the Mount. 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." Here, Jesus highlights that acts of righteousness should be done with the intention of pleasing God, not for human recognition.

Examples of Right and Wrong Motives

The Bible provides numerous examples of both right and wrong motives. In the account of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:3-7), Abel's offering is accepted by God because it is given with a sincere heart, while Cain's is rejected due to his wrong motives. This narrative illustrates that the acceptability of an offering is contingent upon the heart's disposition.

Conversely, the Pharisees are often depicted as having wrong 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, though outwardly religious, are driven by a desire for human approval rather than genuine devotion to God.

The Role of Love

Love is a central motive that should underpin all Christian actions. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that without love, even the most impressive spiritual gifts and sacrifices are meaningless. He writes, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal." This passage highlights that love is the purest motive and the foundation of all true Christian service.

God's Reward for Right Motives

The Bible assures believers that God rewards those who act with right motives. In Hebrews 11:6, it is stated, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." This verse affirms that God is attentive to the sincerity of one's heart and rewards those who seek Him with genuine intent.

Self-Examination and Prayer

Believers are encouraged to examine their motives regularly. Psalm 139:23-24 is a prayer for divine scrutiny: "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." This prayer reflects a desire for purity of heart and alignment with God's will.

In summary, the importance of right motives is a profound biblical principle that calls believers to align their hearts with God's desires, ensuring that their actions are rooted in love and sincerity.