Motive and Motivation: The Heart Behind Our Actions

The driving force behind our actions reveals the true condition of our hearts. Understanding the difference between outward behaviour and inner intent is essential for authentic Christian living.

The Heart Behind Our Actions

The drive behind our actions is often masked by putting on a show to impress onlookers or satisfy the selfish lust of our heart (Jn 12:5-6; Rom 6:12; Gal 5:24; 1 Jn 2:16). Jesus spoke about those who drew attention to the good works they did, for although the actions were admirable, the motive was not pure or based on compassion, rather being self-centered and seeking praise from others.

He said the Christian disciplines such as praying, giving, and fasting should be done without drawing attention to ourselves and not for seeking any reward or praise from others (Mt 6:1-6,16-18). Jesus and the Word of God reveal the thoughts and intents of our hearts, exposing us for whom we really are (1 Cor 4:5; Heb 4:12).

Good motives reflect those of Jesus – that God's Kingdom be extended and He be glorified – besides doing what is best for others, not just for us. "Doing to others as we would like done to us" is a wise motive to live by (Lk 6:31; Gal 6:7). Faith, hope and the love of Christ are powerful motivators for everything we do (1 Cor 16:14; 2 Cor 5:14-15).

Imitate Christ's example

Jesus exemplified pure motives in all He did, always seeking to glorify the Father and serve others selflessly.

Living with Right Intentions

Living, praying, and whatever we do, is to be done with diligence and with the right motives, to bring glory, honour and praise to God (1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:17). This includes obeying others as we would obey Christ (Eph 5:1-2, 6:5-8). We should endeavour to make all things serve our God-given purpose.

We are encouraged to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because it will be rewarded, and where in the past sin motivated us, now the Spirit should motivate us (Rom 8:5; 1 Cor 15:58; Col 3:23-24). This includes giving cheerfully, and not reluctantly, to others and God's Kingdom (2 Cor 9:7).

What we focus on becomes our experience

David expressed his desire to do God's will (Ps 40:8). Jesus said, "I must be about my Father's business." Elsewhere, it is written He came to do God's will (Lk 2:49; Jn 6:38; Heb 10:5-10). How about me – is my life characterised by wholehearted devotion and obedience to Christ who gave His life to rescue me from hell?

The thoughts we sow in our minds set in motion a principle which will produce a harvest of actions (Prov 11:23, 23:7; Mt 5:27-28).

Guarding the Heart and Mind

What the heart thinks and conceives is just a prelude to its demonstration in reality, just like in the natural realm the harvest is but an outcome of the seed sown – be it lust leading to sin, or good desire resulting in righteousness (Prov 11:23, 23:7; Mt 5:27-28; Rom 6:11-19). The thoughts we allow to germinate in our minds will produce a harvest of actions based on the original concept (Gen 30:37-43; Mt 12:35).

What is my inner drive?

The Lord looks at the inner qualities of the heart, understands the motives behind the thoughts, examines all the paths we take and judges our motives (1 Sam 16:7; 1 Chr 28:9; Prov 5:21, 16:2). "Let us examine our ways and test our motives" and catch the vision and heartbeat of Jesus (Lam 3:40; Mt 4:19-20).

Those who followed Jesus left all and He made something of their lives far beyond what they could have imagined or achieve without Him and the Holy Spirit's power. What a good prayer: "Turn my life away from worthless things, renew me in your way" (Ps 119:37).

If the motivation is love, the load seems light, while duty alone makes it a heavy burden. Our motivation should not be dependent on another's response (Ps 27:4, 40:8).

Reflection and Application:

Examine your motives – are you acting to please God or to impress others?
Ask God to reveal any hidden selfishness that may be driving your actions.
Commit to doing all things as unto the Lord, with diligence and right motives.
Guard your heart and mind, for from it flow the springs of life (Prov 4:23).