This Changes Your Motives 

By Kiana Hershey

A motive is the reason behind why we do something. 

Motives aren’t seen by others because motives originate in the heart. The heart is representative of the core of who we are, our inner being. The “why” behind what you do comes from the heart, not the mind. Only God is fully aware of the motives behind the things we do, the words we say, and the thoughts we think. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us that “the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Christ’s actions were motivated by love. Every time Jesus healed someone or shared a spiritual truth, He was revealing something larger than just the action itself. It was revealing the heart behind who He is (God). This should teach us something! What we do matters to God, just as much as why we do it! 

So let me ask you . . . How would you describe the motives of your heart? Are they genuine, pure, God-honoring, self-seeking, prideful, or bitter? Scripture tells us in Jeremiah 17:10, “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” 

Why would the Lord search the motives of our hearts? Because He is a relational God who is concerned about transforming every part of who we are, especially our motives.  

Think of it this way: If you were to attend a worship service where you sing, raise your hands, and appear to be encountering Christ, but meanwhile your motive was to fit in or make others think of you highly, would that be genuine or glorifying to the Lord? No! Likewise, if you were to serve someone or perform an act of kindness for a friend solely for the praise of others and in hopes of something in return, was your intention really to be a helpful hand or to benefit yourself? The latter. 

If we are in true relationship with Christ and are allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us daily, then we also need to allow Him to influence our behavior and the motivation for it. God desires us to be motivated by the gospel. 

What that means is that we look for ways to love and serve others for their good and for God’s glory! It means that we are increasingly concerned with God’s plan and less with ours. Why? Because of who God is and because of all that God has done for us! Because He saved us and has filled us with joy, peace, and purpose. Because He’s changed our heart and life, restored us, and healed us. And now, we live and are motivated by our love for Him and our desire for others to know Him, too! 

A life motivated by the gospel finds full satisfaction and fulfillment when every part of their life points to Christ and not themselves.