Motives Behind Deeds
Here is week 1 of the Motives, Intention, & Honesty: Having Christlike Integrity Study
WEEK 1 – MOTIVES BEHIND DEEDS
PREP & PONDER (For Before the Study Session)
• What’s one good thing you’ve done lately? Why did you do it?
• Do you think motives matter to God, even if the outcome looks right to others?
• Has anyone ever misjudged your actions? Have you ever misjudged someone else’s?
THEME 1: MOTIVES
In the kingdom of God, what drives us matters just as much as what we do. Motives are the invisible roots beneath every visible action—the inner compass that directs our choices, relationships, and obedience. While people may applaud the outward deed, God examines the heart behind it. This theme invites us to examine not only our behavior, but the beliefs, fears, and desires that fuel it. To walk in true integrity, we must allow the Holy Spirit to uncover the hidden “why” behind our “what,” aligning our hearts with His truth so that our lives bear fruit from a pure and surrendered place.
WEEKLY FOCUS:
What drives what we do?
This week invites us to pause and look beneath the surface. We’re not just examining our actions—we’re examining the engine behind them. Is it love or fear? Surrender or striving? Integrity begins where motive is made known. When we allow God to expose and refine the why behind the what, our lives begin to reflect authenticity instead of performance—and transformation instead of appearance.
KEY SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah 17:10 (ESV)
“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
KEYWORD STUDY
“Search”
Jeremiah 17:10 – “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind…”
Hebrew Word: חָקַר (chaqar)
Pronunciation: khaw-kar’
Strong’s Concordance: H2713
Definition:
– To search out, examine deeply
– To investigate, probe
– To explore or dig into
Biblical Usage:
This verb paints the image of God as a divine investigator—one who goes beneath the surface to uncover what lies beneath. He doesn’t merely observe our behavior; He digs into the depths of our inner life, motives, and thought patterns. It's not a casual look, but an intentional exploration.
· Psalm 139:1 – “O Lord, you have searched me and known me.”
· Proverbs 20:27 – “The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.”
“Motives”
Jeremiah 17:10 (conceptual) – “...to give every man according to his ways…”
Hebrew Root Word (related): עֵצָה (etsah) – while not directly used in this verse, it's related to counsel, intent, or purpose.
Also tied to: לֵב (leb) – the heart, the seat of motives and inner decision-making
Strong’s Concordance: H6098 (etsah), H3820 (leb)
Definition:
– Purpose, plan, intent, inward thoughts
– The inner reasoning that leads to outward actions
Biblical Insight:
Motives aren’t always expressed in words—but they are always visible to God. Scripture shows us that the heart is the birthplace of both good and evil actions. Our motives are shaped by what we truly believe, desire, or fear.
· 1 Chronicles 28:9 – “...the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.”
· Hebrews 4:12 – “...it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
“Deeds”
Jeremiah 17:10 – “...according to the fruit of his deeds.”
Hebrew Word: מַעֲלָל (ma‛alal)
Pronunciation: mah-al-awl’
Strong’s Concordance: H4611
Definition:
– Practices, actions, behaviors
– Works that are produced or carried out
– Often used to describe repeated conduct (good or evil)
Biblical Insight:
Deeds are the fruit that grows from the root of motive. They are what others see—but not always what God honors. Scripture reminds us that deeds alone aren’t enough; they must flow from a heart aligned with God’s will.
· Proverbs 24:12 – “Does he who weighs the heart not perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it? And will he not repay man according to his work?”
· Revelation 2:23 – “...I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”
SPIRIT-LED REFLECTION
What Lies Beneath?
Our world is obsessed with what’s visible. We’re conditioned to evaluate worth by what people do—how they act, what they produce, how they appear. But God isn’t fooled by highlight reels or religious behavior. His gaze is deeper. He sees what no one else can: why we do what we do.
Jesus makes this plain in Matthew 6. The people He confronted were giving to the poor, praying in public, and even fasting—objectively good things. But He didn’t commend them—He corrected them. Why? Because their motivation was not worship, but recognition. Their deeds were performances designed to gain applause. And that applause was their reward. Nothing more. Nothing eternal.
God doesn’t just look at the “what.” He evaluates the why.
He weighs the substance of our soul behind the service.
“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.” – Proverbs 16:2 (ESV)
This is both comforting and convicting. It means that no small act of love goes unnoticed by God—even if no one else sees it. But it also means that even our best behaviors are subject to inspection. Not for punishment, but for purification. God cares deeply about our motives, because that’s where true transformation begins.
Let’s be honest:
We can give, but do we give to impress?
We can serve, but is it to feel needed?
We can post Scripture online, but is it to appear spiritual?
We can obey, but is it just to avoid guilt or avoid consequences?
It’s possible to do the right thing for the wrong reason.
And over time, if unchecked, our motives can harden into manipulation, hypocrisy, or even spiritual burnout.
But here’s the good news:
God isn’t demanding perfection—He desires purity.
He’s not watching for flawless deeds—He’s longing for honest hearts.
A pure motive doesn’t mean a perfect one. It means one that is surrendered.
That’s why the Holy Spirit is so essential in our pursuit of integrity. He doesn’t just convict our behavior—He lovingly reveals what’s buried underneath. He exposes the fear driving our need to perform. He highlights the pride hiding behind our service. And then He invites us into something better: authenticity.
Reflection & Application
Ask the Holy Spirit: What is fueling this decision, action, or attitude?
When you serve or give, pause and ask: Am I doing this for God, for people, or for myself?
Reflect on this truth: You don’t have to be noticed to be known by God. You don’t have to be perfect to be pleasing to Him.
Daily Action Step
Choose one act of kindness or obedience today that no one else will see. Let it be just between you and the Lord—a secret offering from a pure heart.
WEEK 1 TEACHING POINTS: MOTIVED BEHIND DEEDS
1. God Is Not Impressed by Deeds Alone—He Examines the Motive
Jeremiah 17:10; Matthew 6:1–4
Even the most outwardly “righteous” act means nothing if it’s fueled by selfish ambition or a desire for applause. God weighs the heart, not just the hands.
2. Motives Can Be Mixed—and That’s Why We Need the Holy Spirit
Psalm 139:23–24; Hebrews 4:12
Sometimes we obey out of love, but fear or pride sneaks in too. The Holy Spirit doesn’t shame us for this—He gently exposes our “why” and invites us to bring it into alignment with truth.
3. Integrity Begins in the Heart, Not Just in Behavior
Proverbs 4:23; 1 Samuel 16:7
Integrity isn’t about always “doing the right thing” in public—it’s about being the same person in private. A pure heart leads to lasting fruit because it flows from sincerity, not performance.
4. Good Deeds Done for the Wrong Reasons Can Still Lead to Spiritual Burnout
Galatians 6:9; Revelation 2:2–4
Doing good to be seen, needed, or validated eventually leads to exhaustion and resentment. When our works are not rooted in intimacy with God, they become burdens instead of blessings.
5. God Rewards Purity Over Performance
Matthew 5:8; 1 Corinthians 4:5
We may gain applause for our deeds here—but only God sees and rewards the hidden purity of heart. His reward is deeper: transformation, intimacy, and eternal significance.
MODERN APPLICATION
Today, “good” deeds are everywhere—on social media, in churches, in our homes, and workplaces. But so is pride. We live in a culture that often values visibility over sincerity, and it’s easy to get caught up in appearances while neglecting authenticity.
We may post our generosity, record our service, or talk about our obedience—but God is not looking for publicity; He’s looking for purity.
We can:
Give to a ministry out of genuine love for God… or to feel important.
Offer encouragement to a friend… or to earn validation in return.
Lead a Bible study… or use it as a platform to gain attention.
The deed might look holy, but only God knows whether it was fueled by love, pride, fear, or insecurity.
“People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.”
— Proverbs 16:2, NLT
“Each one's work will become manifest... and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.”
— 1 Corinthians 3:13, ESV
That’s why the Holy Spirit is essential in this journey. He doesn't expose our motives to shame us—He does it to refine us.
Ask yourself:
Is this for God’s glory or my own recognition?
Am I obeying out of joyful surrender or fearful obligation?
Am I trying to prove something… or reflect Someone?
We don’t need to strive to look spiritual. We need to be surrendered.
Let the Spirit search your heart. He’s not condemning you—He’s calling you deeper.
Not just to do more.
Not just to be seen.
But to live from love, by truth, and for God.
SPIRITUAL WARFARE TRUTH
The enemy doesn’t just tempt you to do bad things.
He tempts you to do good things for the wrong reasons—so they lose eternal value.
He whispers:
“Serve so they’ll praise you.”
“Help so they’ll depend on you.”
“Give so you feel less guilty.”
“Do it so you look like a ‘good Christian.’”
But God whispers back:
“Serve because I served.”
“Give because I gave.”
“Love because I first loved you.”
The motive behind your deed is the real battlefield.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (for groups or journaling)
• Why do you think it’s so easy to perform for approval?
• How do pride and fear disguise themselves in good deeds?
• What does true humility look like in action?
• Have you ever done something purely from love or obedience? What did that feel like?
• How can we help each other live from pure motives without becoming judgmental?
INSIGHT FOR WEEK 1
When God says He “searches the heart,” He’s not making a casual observation—He’s performing heart surgery. He examines the root beneath every fruit, the why beneath every what. Our deeds may impress others, but it is the unseen intentions that God weighs.
“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
— Jeremiah 17:10, ESV
Spiritual integrity is not just about doing good—it’s about being real.
God isn’t looking for performance. He’s not after perfectly filtered faith.
He desires hearts that are open, honest, and willing to be refined.
That means:
We don’t need to hide the fact that our motives are sometimes messy.
We can bring Him the parts of us that are unsure, insecure, or seeking approval.
We can ask, “Lord, show me what’s really driving me here—and change me from the inside out.”
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
— Matthew 5:8
Purity doesn’t mean flawlessness.
It means a heart postured toward truth—one that welcomes God's searchlight instead of resisting it.
So let Him dig. Let Him reveal. Let Him reorder your motives.
He doesn’t do it to shame you—but to shape you.
Because when the root is healthy, the fruit will follow.
WEEKLY SCRIPTURE READING
Read these passages slowly and prayerfully this week. Look for how each one reveals something about God’s heart for our motives, the hidden places, and the truth behind our actions.
• Jeremiah 17:5–10
• Matthew 6:1–4
• Hebrews 4:12
• Proverbs 21:2
• 1 Corinthians 4:5
REFLECT & RESPOND (For After Study Session)
• What’s one “good thing” you’ve done recently that may have had mixed motives?
• Have you ever been convicted after doing something for selfish reasons, even if it looked holy?
• What are the deeper patterns you see in your motives—pride, fear, approval, obligation?
• How can you begin inviting the Holy Spirit into your decision-making before you act?
• What does it look like to act from love rather than for validation?
WEEK 1 DEEPER DIVE – MOTIVES BEHIND DEEDS
Theme 1: Motives
TOPIC SUMMARY
It’s easy to judge behavior based on what we can see, but God looks deeper—He examines the motive behind the deed. You can serve, give, obey, and help—but if it’s rooted in fear, pride, or a desire for approval, it loses its eternal impact. This week, we’re asking God to reveal the truth about what drives us and to align our actions with His heart.
KEY SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah 17:10 (ESV)
“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
• What’s a recent action you took that looked good outwardly—did you have mixed motives?
• When you do something kind, helpful, or sacrificial—what feeling do you usually hope for afterward?
• How does your fear of judgment, rejection, or failure impact your actions?
• Do you ever use service or giving as a way to feel worthy or valued?
• What “good” behaviors might actually be fueled by pride or insecurity?
• How do you respond when your efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated?
• Have you ever obeyed God but secretly hoped for credit or praise from others?
• What’s one area where you know your motive needs refining?
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
1. Motive Check-In: “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.” – Proverbs 16:2-
Before making a decision or commitment this week, pause and ask: “Why do I want to do this? What’s really driving me?”
2. Reframe It: If your motive is fear, pride, guilt, or people-pleasing, pause and invite God to give you a new motive rooted in love, obedience, and trust.
How do you know what’s driving you? Look for the emotional undercurrent:
Fear-based motives often sound like:
“If I don’t do this, they’ll be disappointed in me.”
“I’m afraid God won’t bless me if I say no.”
People-pleasing sounds like:
“I just don’t want them to think I’m selfish.”
“Maybe they’ll finally notice me.”
Guilt-driven motives sound like:
“I should… I have to… I can’t say no.”
“If I don’t do it, I’m not a good Christian.”
Pride-based motives sound like:
“This will prove I’m capable.”
“I want them to admire how spiritual I am.”
If you feel tension, pressure, or a need to prove something—there’s likely a deeper motive beneath it.
Pause. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what’s driving you. Then surrender it.
Let your new prayer be:
“Lord, give me a motive of love. Let me obey You from delight, not pressure.”
3. Journal Prompt: Write a prayer asking God to expose and purify your motives.
Throughout the week, as He reveals what’s really driving you in different situations, write down anything He brings to light. Be open, be honest, and invite Him into the hidden places. Let this be an ongoing conversation with Him as He refines your heart and aligns your motives with His.
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS
As you continue to reflect and journal this week, spend time meditating on these Scriptures. Ask God to reveal any motives He wants to purify and to help align your heart with His truth.
Psalm 139:23–24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!”
Proverbs 16:2 – “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.”
1 Samuel 16:7 – “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
1 Corinthians 3:13 – “...the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.”
Use these verses as prayer starters, journaling prompts, or memory verses throughout the week. Let them guide your conversations with God and your internal reflections.
DEVOTIONAL 1: WHEN GOOD ISN’T GOD
WEEK 1 THEME SUMMARY: MOTIVES BEHIND DEEDS
God is not impressed by outward appearances. While people may judge by what we do, God sees beneath the surface—into the hidden motives that drive our actions.
This week, we’re learning to pause before the deed and ask: “What’s driving me?”
Because in the kingdom of God, purity of heart matters more than performance.
Obedience without love is just religion.
Service without surrender is just self-promotion.
To live with integrity, we must let the Holy Spirit examine not just our actions, but the “why” behind them.
Because when our motives are purified, our deeds become worship.
KEY SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah 17:10 (ESV)
“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION
We’ve all done the right thing for the wrong reason.
Sometimes it’s to be seen.
Sometimes it’s to silence guilt.
Sometimes it’s just what we think we should do—even when our heart isn’t in it.
And while people may applaud us for our behavior, God doesn’t stop at what we do—He goes straight to why we did it.
That’s what makes motives so tricky. They hide under the surface, tangled in good intentions and spiritual appearances. We might serve, give, or obey—but if we’re doing it for approval, control, or recognition, it’s not obedience. It’s performance.
God isn’t after polished appearances. He’s after purified hearts.
He wants our actions to flow from love, not lack. From freedom, not fear.
And the only way to get there is to invite Him to search us deeply.
This devotional isn’t about shaming your motives—it’s about surrendering them.
Because when we let God refine the reason behind our “good deeds,” our lives become more than busy…
They become beautifully aligned with His heart.
WEEKLY ACTION STEP
This week, before doing something that appears “good” or admirable, pause and ask:
“Why am I doing this? Is this love—or is this fear?”
Then dig a little deeper:
Love gives freely. Fear gives to avoid rejection.
Love serves with joy. Fear serves to prove worth.
Love obeys from trust. Fear obeys from guilt.
Love says, “God sees me.” Fear says, “I hope others approve.”
Love is secure in identity. Fear is obsessed with image.
If your action feels pressured, anxious, performance-driven, or tied to needing a reaction or reward—it may be rooted in fear.
If your action flows from peace, trust, and a desire to honor God even if no one sees—it’s likely rooted in love.
Write down the moments this week when you sense a hidden motive.
Invite the Holy Spirit to show you where fear is still driving your deeds—and where He’s calling you into deeper freedom.
