Motives

Do I do "good" things just because I want to be rewarded?
Do I act a certain way just because I want to uphold a particular image?
Do I avoid doing "bad" things just because I don't want to get in trouble?
Do I go to church just because it's what all good little Christians are expected to do?
Do I read my Bible and pray just because I'm "supposed to"?
Do I ask for forgiveness when I've messed up just because I feel guilty?
Do I "repent and believe" in God just because I don't want to go to hell?

OR...

Do I do "good" things because I genuinely want to help people?
Do I act a certain way because I want my life to reflect Christ?
Do I avoid doing "bad" things because I love God and don't want to make His heart sad?
Do I go to church because I want to serve and connect with fellow believers?
Do I read my Bible and pray because I want to get to know my Father more intimately?
Do I ask for forgiveness when I've messed up because I'm truly sorry and want to do better?
Do I repent and believe in God out of a true recognition that I'm a lost sinner who needs a Savior and because I want to spend an eternity worshiping and celebrating Him in heaven?

No one has perfect motives all the time...or even most of the time.  I want to be motivated out of my love for Christ, and I want my actions to be an overflow of the love that He's poured out abundantly into my life.  I guess I just want to make sure I stay aware of what's driving my actions. 

People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.

You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.