1 Samuel 16:7 “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.”
When Samuel came to Jesse’s house, he was impressed by Eliab’s appearance and assumed he must be the one God had chosen. But God reminded Samuel that He does not evaluate people the way we do. People see what is visible; God sees what is underneath.
This teaches us something important about holiness: God is concerned not only with what we do, but why we do it. Two people can do exactly the same thing, yet their motives can be completely different. One may serve to be noticed, while another serves simply because they love God. One may give to receive appreciation, while another gives because they genuinely want to bless someone.
Our motives are often hidden from people, but they are never hidden from God. We may work hard, serve faithfully, help others, give generously, or even do something that looks very spiritual. But God sees beyond the action and asks, “Why are you doing this?”
A holy motive is choosing to do what is right for the right reason either to honor God, to love others, and to live for what lasts beyond this life.
Colossians 3:23 says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
Your occupation may be ordinary. Your work may go unnoticed. You may never receive recognition from people. But none of that determines your value before God. He sees the heart behind the work. David was overlooked by his own family, but God saw something they did not see. He saw his heart. So today, before asking, “Am I doing the right thing?” ask another question: “Am I doing the right thing for the right reason?”
Reflection:
Why am I doing what I am doing today? If nobody noticed, appreciated, or praised me, would I still do it for God?
Application:
Before beginning your work or serving someone today, quietly surrender your motive to God and say: “Lord, let me do this for You, not for recognition.”
Whether your work is seen by many or by no one, remember: God sees the motive behind it.