The issue of motives

 The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Galatia:

“But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you.” Galatians 4:18

Paul's statement suggests that what they did was right, but they should do what is right always and not just when he was present. Were they being motivated to gain praise from their action?

Motives are important, and especially when it comes to determining degree of guilt and sentencing in a court of law, but unless one knows clearly that they are being motivated for the wrong reason—in which case they should maybe cease until they are properly motivated—they should leave the judgment up to God.

We need to be careful about trying to judge other's motives, unless it is about a crime and the appropriate consequences.

Sometimes our actions may not be properly motivated, and yet they are not for men's praise or material gain either. One may do something that they believe is right, though they do not want to do it, and they struggle with doing it with cheerfulness.

The Apostle Paul said that “he who is spiritual judges all things,” 1 Corinthians 2:15 I take that to mean we should examine everything through the authority of Scripture, however, I don't believe that means that I need to try to discern the motives of everyone or even myself. I can just judge the act or thought as to whether is right or not. And unless it is clearly obvious to me that I am being wrongly motivated, maybe I shouldn't try to determine what my motives are (in doing the right thing or anything), and let God be the judge.

Paul wrote the Corinthian church concerning judging: ² “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. ³ But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. ⁴ For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. ⁵ Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.” 1 Corinthians 4:2-5

If one looks at the quote of Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:15, you will see there is more to what was said about judging: “he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one.” 1 Corinthians 2:15 We should examine everything through the authority of Scripture, however, we don't need to try to discern the motives of everyone or even ourselves.

Motives are important, but the best way to make sure your motives are right is to be sure you are motivated by a desire or concern to be faithful and pleasing to God. As Paul said, “it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

Jesus said, “​¹ "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven. ² Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. ³ But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” Matthew 6:1-4

Unless you know without a doubt that you are seeking praise from men or some temporal material gain, you should seek to do what is right and good, and you will have your reward from God; and he will judge the intents and motives of the heart in the day of judgment.

 (edited 1-1-25)