Pure Motivations

The role of our sages has always been to motivate and direct us towards making the right decisions in life. They diligently try to show the value of choosing a life of Torah, and the pitfalls in choosing a life void of spirituality.

A major area of emphasis is the importance of integrity and sincerity in how we serve Hashem. Flattery and hypocrisy are frowned upon, in a big way. The goal is to act strictly for the sake of Heaven, with no other desire except to be true servants of G-d.

Rabbeinu Bachye suggested that every individual take a simple test to check if one’s motives are pure. The test involves answering two simple questions.

When you do something that you believe is an act of kindness or a favor for someone, what are your expectations? Do you expect to receive a reward for this act, and from whom are you anticipating, will give you the reward? If you expect it from G-d, it is purely motivated. If you expect it from anyone beside Him, it is not purely motivated.

The second question of this little test is where you must ask yourself: If you were alone, would you perform the act in the same way? If the answer is yes, your act is wholly devoted to G-d. Increase your performance of it!

But if the answer is that you would do less, then desist from it until your heart is refined, and your motive is for the sake of Heaven.

This is an example of the spiritual work that we do, known as עבודת הנפש, working on our soul. We are obligated to do this work all of the days of our lives. There is always room for improvement.