White Motive

"The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4: 12). 

The souls that have the lamp of holiness burning continually within, dispersing all gloom, all doubt and fear, are those who keep a white motive--a pure intention--a sanctified purpose.

Jesus says, "If therefore thine eye [motive, purpose, intention] be single, thy whole body shall be full of light [holiness]. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness" (Matt. 7: 22, 23). Hence, without a "single eye" we remain worldly, sensual and devilish.

The question may arise here, What is motive Motive is the unseen actuative power to the soul. That which incites the action; determines choice; moves the will--the prompter of every deed.

The only service done by man, that will receive a reward from the Lord at the judgment day, is that which was prompted by a white, sanctified motive--that which was done strictly to the glory of God. O, how many disappointed souls there will be at the judgment bar, whose work will fail to stand the scrutiny of God's refining fire! Let us place ourselves on the stand before God, for inspection, for a few moments, and see if we are in possession of this all-important factor, viz., a white motive, a pure intention, a sanctified purpose, in every avenue of life, both at home and abroad.

1. Do you attend church to be seen of men, to show your new bonnet, to show your new clothes, to meet your friends, to be in good society, to solicit trade, to seek a wife or husband; or do you attend, solely and strictly, to the glory of God

2. Do you give to be thought well of, to obtain the praise of men, to eclipse some one else; or is every donation, both small and great, given with a pure intention, and unbiased purpose, a single eye to the glory of God

3. Do you sing, pray, testify and preach, at all times and places, with this one thing in mind, viz., to glorify God Or do you do it to be heard by man, to display your talent and ability, to browbeat some one else, to solicit praise, and to keep up with the crowd

4. Have you a real burden for lost souls on your heart, or do you follow the religious work for a livelihood

Notice a few indications of a white motive:

1. To set the Lord before you in all you do or say; having no other aim or purpose in view but to glorify Him.

2. To not feel hurt or mortified when you have displeased man to please God.

3. To feel no sense of fear of losing your reputation or friends, when called to obey God on some line that does not appear pleasing to your friends. The man with a white motive has nothing to lose. He has, all his capital invested in the bank of heaven; hence he fears nothing but sin, and bows to none but God. O, Hallelujah!

4. To never feel any sense of discouragement for a moment, when you have done your best, even though but little was accomplished. Kempis says, "Discouragement is a fruit of pride rather than of humility."

5. "To go forth in the work of the Lord with the same amount of zeal, after you have been severely criticized and censured by your superiors, as you did when they praised and commended you.

The next question is, how to obtain a white motive

1. See that "self" is kept thoroughly crucified. He is your greatest foe.

2. Beware of a tendency to desire and seek donations and gifts for yourself. The Word says, "A gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous" (Deut. 16: 19).

3. Avoid the commendation of men, or else you will awake to the fact that by continuing to hear it, a desire for it is being resurrected in your heart.

4. When you have been mightily blessed or used of the Lord in any way, quickly retire to your closet, or retire in your heart, and confess your nothingness and unworthiness to Him, and give Him all the glory for what was done, and in so doing your soul will flourish like a palm tree.