January 25, 2026

The Motive of Faith

When speaking of faith, it is critical to talk about the motive of our faith. James 4:2–3 tells us what a wrong motive is,

You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

God is very concerned about the “why” behind our prayers of faith. He is very interested in the state of our hearts. And I think it is good to check our motives from time to time.

Why do we want what we want? Is it ego driven? Am I asking for it because I want to impress someone? Are my motives right?

Now, you don’t have to overdo it. You can overanalyze things to the point that you become spiritually frozen and don’t do anything. I think if you will get honest and lay your heart out before God, He will very quickly put the spotlight on the things that should not be there.

Our dog always stands at the back door and scratches on the glass like he really loves us and wants to come in and be with us. But the moment you open the door he runs right by you into the kitchen looking for food.

Why do you want the thing you want? What is the purpose behind asking? Is it for the glory of God? Is it to help people? Is there a pure motive there?

When your motive is right, God will not be long in answering. But if your motive is not right, God won’t answer until it gets right.

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