Our Motives Matterનમૂનો

Day 1: The Hidden Why

Scripture: Proverbs 16:2 (NIV) – “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.”

God sees what we often hide—even from ourselves. Our actions may appear righteous, generous, or noble, but He looks deeper. He peers into the heart where motives are formed and weighed. It's not just what we do that matters to God, but why we do it.

In a world driven by appearances and accolades, we can easily slip into doing good things for the wrong reasons—serving to be seen, giving to receive praise, or preaching for popularity rather than out of love for truth. Motives matter to God because they are the compass of the soul. They guide our direction and reveal our spiritual integrity.

Jesus taught that secret righteousness—praying in private, giving without announcement, fasting without display—is more pleasing to the Father than public demonstrations meant to impress. Why? Because the hidden place of the heart is where sincerity lives. It's in the quiet decisions of motive that true worship begins.

Today, ask yourself: Why am I doing what I’m doing? Are you driven by love or by fear of rejection? By obedience or by pressure to perform? By the Spirit’s leading or by selfish ambition? Let the Holy Spirit shine His light on your inner world.

When we allow God to purify our motives, our actions become more fruitful and pleasing to Him. Our hearts grow more aligned with His, and our lives more authentically reflect Christ. Motives rooted in love, humility, and surrender lead to a joy that performance can never produce.

Prayer:
Lord, search my heart today. Show me anyway in me that is driven by pride, fear, or selfish ambition. Purify my motives. Let my love for You be the root of all I do. May my hidden “why” be pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.