Motives

Motives

Does God care about my motives as long as I do the right thing?

God’s Response

The LORD accepted Abel and his offering, but he did not accept Cain and his offering. Genesis 4:4-5

David gave these orders to Joab and his commanders: “Take a census of all the people.” . . . God was very displeased with the census, and he punished Israel for it. 1 Chronicles 21:2, 7

Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1

People may think they are doing what is right, but the LORD examines the heart. Proverbs 21:2

It is quite likely that Cain’s sacrifice was regarded as inappropriate because his motives were impure. David’s motive in taking the census—probably to see how powerful he had become—displeased God. Your motives matter to God because they expose whether you’re working for God or for yourself. When you pursue your spiritual life with self-serving motives, you rob yourself of the joy God intends and the relationship he desires.

God’s Challenge

Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections. Psalm 26:2