Scripture reflects the wide range of motives which influence human behaviour.
Right actions can result from wrong motives
Philippians 1:15–18 See also 1 Samuel 18:20–23
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains. What then is the issue? Just this: that in every way, whether by false motives or true, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
Right motives do not always produce right actions
1 Kings 8:17–19 parallel 2 Chronicles 6:7–9 See also Matthew 1:18–20
Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Since it was in your heart to build a house for My Name, you have done well to have this in your heart. Nevertheless, you are not the one to build it; but your son, your own offspring, will build the house for My Name.’
Examples of wrong motives
Malice and envy
Genesis 37:11 See also Genesis 37:18–28; Esther 3:1–9; Ezekiel 25:15–16, Ezekiel 36:5; Matthew 2:7–13
And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept in mind what he had said.
Greed
John 12:4–6 See also 2 Kings 5:19–27; Titus 1:10–11
But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.
Motives are sometimes misjudged
Joshua 22:9–34 See also Numbers 32:1–33; 2 Samuel 10:1–4 parallel 1 Chronicles 19:1–4; 2 Kings 5:5–7
Jesus Christ's actions motivated by a desire to do God's will
John 8:29 See also John 4:34, John 6:38; Hebrews 10:5–7; Psalm 40:6–8
He who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.”
Paul's motives
Paul rejected all base motives in ministry
1 Thessalonians 2:3–6 See also 2 Corinthians 2:17
For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery. Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts. As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.
Paul was motivated by his knowledge of God
So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well. We are not commending ourselves to you again. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart.
Paul was concerned for the spiritual growth of others
Philippians 4:14–18 Paul's motive in rejoicing in the gift from the Philippians was the spiritual benefit which they would gain as a result of it. See also Philippians 1:22–26; Philemon 1:8–14
Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction. And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.