“Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.” 2 Chronicles‬ ‭25:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We serve in a kingdom where the God we worship cannot be seen physically. Therefore, with Him, motives matter a lot.

We observe people’s actions, but their reasons often remain unknown to us. We might see someone as a dedicated usher, always present at services, punctual at work, or a great friend. However, because our God cannot be seen physically, it means that with Him, motives are crucial. He knows the “why” behind everything we do.

The dictionary defines motive as “a reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious.”

In our text, we see that Amaziah did the right things—he started a church, gave to the poor, and performed his duties as a departmental head. However, he did not do these things with a perfect or loyal heart. Loyalty cannot be 99%; even 1% lacking can be dangerous. If the reason you are doing something, especially in the house of God, is not for the Lord alone, then it is not with a perfect heart.

We all need to sit down and ask ourselves a critical question: Why am I really doing this? Is it to gain attention? To become famous? To show that you are the best?

This question extends beyond our relationship with God to our interactions with others. If you give expecting something in return, your motive is wrong. Give without expecting anything in return—that’s the example God Himself and Jesus showed us while on earth.

Let’s not be like the Pharisees and Sadducees, whose acts of service were not right. Jesus pointed this out to them many times. You can deceive other people, but you know your true reasons, and God does too.

Your motives matter a lot.

As you go about your daily life, never forget to ask yourself this basic question: Why?

Prayer:

“Father, help me to serve You with a perfect heart, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”