Motivation Quote by R.C. Sproul
““A pagan, a person of profound corruption, may do acts externally conforming to the demands of the law. The internal motivation, however, is that of selfish interest or what the theologians call "enlightened self-interest," a motive that is not in harmony with the Great Commandment. Our external deeds may measure up to the external demands of the law, while at the same time our hearts are far removed from God.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul, 1995
External compliance with law can mask selfish motives that conflict with the greatest moral command.
In simple terms: Good deeds can hide selfish hearts.
Key Takeaway
Check inner motives, not just actions.
Themes
morality
hypocrisy
religion
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- church leadership
- personal ethics
- community standards
Key Concepts
selfish interest
great commandment
inner vs outer
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives your actions more, fear of punishment or love?
- How can you align heart and deed?
A Different Perspective
External obedience may not reflect true devotion.
![“To him who feels that Nature is lovely, it appears an end in itself, it has the ground of its existence in itself: … the question, Why does it exist? does not arise. … Nature, as it impresses his senses, has indeed had an origin, has been produced, but not created in the religious sense, … [H]e…” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5c8/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_a-part_to-him-who-feels-that-nature-is-lovely-i_1346912.jpg)
