Definition and Importance
Understanding motives involves discerning the underlying intentions and desires that drive human actions. In the biblical context, motives are crucial as they reveal the heart's condition and determine the moral and spiritual quality of one's actions. The Bible emphasizes that God not only observes actions but also examines the heart and intentions behind them.

Biblical References

1. God's Examination of the Heart
The Bible consistently teaches that God looks beyond outward appearances to the heart's intentions. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or 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 the divine ability to perceive true motives, which are often hidden from human eyes.

2. Purity of Motives
Pure motives are highly valued in Scripture. 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 highlights the human tendency to justify one's actions while reminding believers that God evaluates the purity of their motives.

3. Motives and Righteousness
Jesus addressed the issue of motives in the Sermon on the Mount, particularly concerning acts of righteousness. 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 emphasizes that righteous deeds should be motivated by a desire to please God rather than seeking human approval.

4. Self-Examination
The Bible encourages believers to examine their motives regularly. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul exhorts, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." This self-examination includes assessing the motives behind one's actions to ensure they align with God's will.

5. The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in revealing and refining motives. In Romans 8:27, Paul writes, "And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." The Spirit aids believers in aligning their motives with God's purposes.

6. Consequences of Impure Motives
The Bible warns of the consequences of impure motives. James 4:3 states, "And when you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures." This passage illustrates that prayers and actions driven by selfish desires are ineffective and displeasing to God.

Examples from Scripture

1. Cain and Abel
The account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 highlights the significance of motives in worship. Abel's offering was accepted because it was given with a sincere heart, while Cain's was rejected due to impure motives, leading to jealousy and murder.

2. Ananias and Sapphira
In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira's deceitful motives in their offering to the early church resulted in severe consequences. Their desire for recognition led them to lie to the Holy Spirit, demonstrating the danger of impure motives.

3. The Pharisees
Jesus frequently criticized the Pharisees for their hypocritical motives. In Matthew 23:5, He says, "All their deeds are done for men to see." Their actions, though outwardly righteous, were driven by a desire for human praise rather than genuine devotion to God.

Practical Application

Understanding and purifying one's motives is essential for living a life pleasing to God. Believers are called to seek God's guidance through prayer and Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal and correct impure motives. By aligning their intentions with God's will, Christians can ensure that their actions reflect true righteousness and bring glory to God.