Motive
Summary
The internal impulse or intention that moves the will to action, distinguishing moral character and determining whether actions are pleasing or offensive to God.
☩Definition
A motive is that which moves, excites, or invites the mind to volition. It may be one thing singly or many things conjointly. Whatever is a motive must be something in the view or apprehension of the understanding, for what is wholly unperceived cannot affect the mind at all.
☩God's Motives
Scripture ascribes motives even to God: 'He saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known' (Psalm 106:8). God declares through Ezekiel: 'I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake' (Ezekiel 36:22, 32). God acts from the motive of His own glory and the vindication of His holy name.
☩Right Motives Required
Jesus taught that motive determines the value of religious acts: 'Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven' (Matthew 6:1). Giving, praying, and fasting done 'to be seen of men' already have their reward—human praise—but receive nothing from God (Matthew 6:1-18). The pure in heart, acting from right motives, shall see God.
☩Sinful Motives
Cain's offering was rejected not merely for what he brought but for why he brought it: 'If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?' (Genesis 4:7). John explains: 'Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous' (1 John 3:12). Envy and resentment corrupted Cain's worship and led to murder.
☩Misunderstood Motives
Good motives are sometimes misinterpreted. When Reuben and Gad built a memorial altar at Jordan, Israel assumed idolatrous intent until the true motive was explained (Joshua 22:9-34). David's messengers of condolence to Hanun were suspected as spies (2 Samuel 10:2-3). Satan accused Job of serving God only for material blessing (Job 1:9-11; 2:4-5). These examples warn against rashly judging others' intentions.
Related Verses15 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Motive," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Charles Buck, "Motive," in A Theological Dictionary (Charles Buck (London), 1802).