Motive

Motive - the reason for doing something or behaving in a specific way

There are many homeless who beg throughout the towns and cities where we live.  I see them on a regular basis. Like many of you I have bought gas, given food, money, and water many times.  But most of the time I ask myself if they are really homeless or is this a scam to get money for drugs or alcohol?  Where do they really live; on the street, in a shelter, a hotel or do they have a house of their own?  Why are they homeless?  When I don’t give them money or something to eat I drive away feeling guilty that I didn’t help them.  Why is this? 

It is because we are commanded to help the poor.  Jesus doesn’t tell us to question whether or not the beggar is really homeless, has good intentions or if his motives are pure.  It is our motives He is concerned with.  When we give out of guilt or the need to feel good about ourselves our giving becomes all about us when it should be all about pleasing the Lord.  It isn’t about whether or not the person deserves our kindness. What if God based His decision to send His only Son on whether or not we are deserving?  If this were the case we would all spend eternity in hell. 

Most of us think we do things with the right motive but if we were to dig a little deeper we would find that most times there is some kind of self serving reason behind our actions.  When you do something for the right reason and with a pure motive you are doing God’s work and He will be glorified no matter what the outcome seems to be.  God is working behind the scenes to use our faithfulness to Him in ways that we may never know about.  You can never go wrong doing the right thing.  Your motives are more important than your actions so take the time to ask yourself why you are doing something.  Is it for your benefit or for God’s glory?  Giving produces the fruit of righteousness but only if done with the right motive.

SCRIPTURES

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  2 Corinthians 9:7-8

If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.  Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.  Deuteronomy 15:7-8

"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.  1 Chronicles 28:9