Understanding Motives, Self-Deception, and Divine Guidance in Simple Terms
If you’ve ever heard someone say, “God knows my heart,” you might wonder what that really means. It’s a concept found throughout religious teachings, especially the Bible, and it’s about more than just what you show on the outside—it’s about what’s going on inside you, deep down.
God Sees Beyond the Surface
It’s easy to focus on outward actions—what you do, what you say, how you appear to others. But the core idea here is that God isn’t just watching your behavior; God truly understands the thoughts, feelings, and intentions that drive those actions. While people can be fooled by appearances, the belief is that God sees straight to your true motives.
For example, Proverbs 16:2 says, “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” That means even if you think you’re doing the right thing, God knows why you’re doing it. Another verse, 1 Samuel 16:7, reminds us that “people look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
We’re Often Blind to Our Own Mistakes
Here’s something everyone can relate to: it’s incredibly easy to fool ourselves. Most people believe their own actions are justified. We find reasons for why we did what we did and often overlook the possibility that we went astray. Sometimes, it’s because temptation clouds our judgment; sometimes, it’s just habit. We can get so used to certain behaviors—big or small—that we stop questioning them.
It’s not just about “big sins” either. Everyday choices, even small ones, add up. If we don’t ask ourselves whether what we’re doing is right or wrong, those little decisions can shape who we become. This self-blindness is common: we judge others harshly, but let ourselves off the hook, or ignore our own faults because they’re comfortable and familiar.
The Role of Conscience—And Its Limits
Our conscience is supposed to help us know what’s right and wrong. But here’s the catch: our conscience itself can be shaped by habit, by what we want to believe, or by what we’ve always done. Sometimes we justify what we want, even if it’s not the best choice. As a result, “all the ways of a man are right in his own eyes”—but that doesn’t mean they’re actually right.
God’s Judgment Is Deeper and Always Fair
If people see only the surface, God is believed to see the whole picture. This means God weighs not just what you did, but why you did it. Actions are important, but the reasons behind them matter just as much—if not more.
The Bible teaches that the real measure is your spirit, your motives, your true character. Sometimes, someone may do something wrong out of ignorance or with good intentions, and God takes that into account. On the flip side, someone might do something that looks good outwardly, but if the motive is selfish or dishonest, God sees that too.
What Should We Do About This?
Since we’re so capable of deceiving ourselves, the wise thing is to put our trust in God’s judgment—not just our own. The Bible suggests asking God for help in understanding your own motives, praying for clarity about your heart, and seeking guidance for your actions.
· Be honest with yourself—even about the small stuff. Try to bring your conscience to bear on everyday choices.
· Don’t rely solely on your own approval. Just because you feel okay about something doesn’t mean it truly lines up with what’s right.
· Ask God to reveal your hidden faults—those things you might not see on your own.
· Trust in Jesus as a guide and conscience, seeking His help to grow and change for the better.
· Punctually obey the nudges of your conscience, especially when it’s urging you to do something tough or avoid something tempting.
Why It Matters
At the end of the day, believing that God knows your motives doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. Instead, it’s about being open to self-examination, being willing to learn, and asking for help to do better. If you seek truth and guidance, you’ll be less likely to be fooled by your own excuses, and more likely to grow as a person—inside and out.
In Summary
God’s deep understanding means you can’t hide behind appearances. So, be brave enough to look at yourself honestly, ask for help, and strive to align your motives with what’s good and true. That’s where real transformation begins.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 