Article August 5, 1944 Issue

What Are Our Motives?

GRACE E. ROWNTREE

One dictionary definition of the word "motive" reads in part, "What impels a person to action: e.g., fear, ambition or love." We may often find it beneficial to examine our actions and to ask ourselves what is the governing motive for them. Are we for instance, afraid of what others may think or say of us if we do or do not take a certain line of action? Then fear is the impelling power, and there can be no justification for our deed. Do we wish for popularity, worldly distinction, and social success, or is pure, unselfed love, coupled with the desire to serve and glorify God the basic cause of our acts?

True motives have divine approval, which is essential to the success of any human endeavor; while wrong motives forfeit the sanction and support of infinite Mind, and must eventually result in disappointment, dissatisfaction, and defeat.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, has written in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 326). "Working and praying with true motives, your Father will open the way." And this sublime fact was proved beyond dispute in her own lifework, and also in the life and works of the great Way-shower, Christ Jesus, who sought divine inspiration and guidance for every word and deed.

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