Our motives are important to God. A few of the many references to the attitude of the heart:
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
Finally, our prayer should be the same as that of the Psalmist: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
(Psalm 51:10)