Pure Motives: Learning To Guard Your Why

In my walk with God, there are certain Scriptures that have shaped the foundation of my faith. One, in particular, stands out so clearly that I can still picture where I was when I first read it—Bible open, heart ready, mind awakened.

It was in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God was directing the prophet Samuel to anoint Israel’s next king.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”— 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

Samuel saw Jesse’s first son, Eliab, and assumed that because he looked “kingly,” he must be God’s chosen one. But God corrected him.

Even as a 15-year-old reading that verse, I remember thinking:

“Watch your heart—that’s where God is looking.”

That simple revelation became a lifelong guiding principle for me.

The Hidden Question: Why Do I Do What I Do?

That Scripture didn’t fill me with fear of judgment—it awakened in me a desire for purity of motive. It made me start paying attention not just to what I did, but why I did it.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that this is why my favorite question is often “Why?”

The Holy Spirit began training me to examine the real reason behind my thoughts, actions, and words.

Have I always acted with the purest motives? Absolutely not. But every time I’ve allowed the Spirit to teach me, He’s gently realigned my heart.

And now, I want to pass that challenge on to you:

Search your heart—and keep it pure.

Checking Our Motives

Let’s ask some honest questions:

• Why do you want God to bless you with the house, the car, the clothes?

  → Is it because you truly need or enjoy them, or because you want others to notice?

• Why do you want to lose weight?

  → Is it to steward your body as God’s temple, or to look good for approval?

• Why do you want to be wealthy?

  → Is it to fund Kingdom purpose, or to gain power and respect?

  
  

Sometimes, wrong motives get us into unnecessary trouble.

We take on debt we can’t afford to buy things we don’t need to impress people we don’t even like.

Other times, our motives hide behind religious appearances. Maybe you prayed ten hours last night—but deep down, it wasn’t about communion with God; it was about maintaining the title of “prayer warrior.”

When we start doing things to maintain people’s perception of us, we’ve lost sight of God’s gaze.

Right Actions Start with Right Motives

Yes, we want to represent God well and be good examples to others—but that should be the outflow of a pure heart, not an effort to prove ourselves.

I don’t demonstrate good motherhood by trying to look like a good mother. I simply live as one—and it shows.

When your heart is right, your actions will be right.

As believers with the life of God within us, we are called to live from the inside out. Our thoughts, words, and actions should flow naturally from who we are in Christ—not from the pressure to perform for others.

The Heart of a Christian

Understand this: When you became a believer, God gave you a new heart—a heart capable of purity, holiness, and love.

Our part now is to align our soul (our mind, will, and emotions) with our reborn spirit.

So how do we do that?

1. Build Intimacy with God

When you spend time in God’s Word, you start learning how He thinks. His Word renews your mind. When you spend time with the Holy Spirit—in prayer, in worship, in quiet listening—He begins to reshape your will and calm your emotions.

The more time you spend in His presence, the more your heart transforms—and that inner renewal naturally expresses itself outwardly.

Inner transformation always leads to outward alignment.

2. Stay Tender to the Holy Spirit

Keeping a tender heart before the Holy Spirit is key. When your motives start to drift, He will let you know.

Don’t ignore those gentle checks in your heart—invite Him in.

Ask:

“Holy Spirit, help me purify my motives. Show me what’s really driving me.”

There were times I wanted God to answer my prayers just so I could tell people He did. Not to glorify Him—but to glorify my faith.

In those moments, the Holy Spirit corrected me—not harshly, but lovingly. Sometimes His instruction was simple:

“Be quiet about this one. Just thank Me privately.”

Those lessons reminded me that God answers prayer because of His love and faithfulness, not because of my impressive praying.

That’s how He trains us toward purity—when we’re willing to listen.

3. Ask “Why?”—Often

One of the most powerful tools in keeping your motives pure is the simple act of reflection.

Ask yourself:

• Why did I say that?

• Why did I share that information?

• Why do I want that opportunity, that attention, that recognition?

• Why do I want those shoes, that house, that promotion?

And if you feel that little check in your heart, pause and ask:

“Holy Spirit, what’s going on inside me right now?”

The more you take time to look inward—aligning your soul with your spirit—the more your actions begin to flow from a heart that truly pleases God.

Growing in Purity of Heart

Living with pure motives isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a lifelong journey.

It takes intentionality, consistency, and humility.

You don’t fall in love with God by chance—you cultivate it.

You don’t develop pure motives overnight—you grow into them as the Holy Spirit gently refines your heart.

So, keep your heart open. Keep your motives under His light.

And remember—God is looking there, not to condemn you, but to transform you.

Time to Reflect ...

What area of your life might God be inviting you to examine your motives today?

Take it to Him—not with guilt, but with gratitude for His grace to purify and realign your heart.

I love you,

Oyin.