Good Deeds

Did you know that good deeds and noble works can be motivated by many things other than genuine love and faith? For example:
(a) Like the deeds of Ananias and Sapphira, a person's good deeds may be motivated by a desire to win the approval of people. They weren't genuinely concerned about the needs of the poor, but in elevating themselves (Acts 5).
(b) Like the Pharisees, of whom Jesus spoke in Matthew 6:1-4, a person may perform good deeds to impress people with his generosity. The Pharisees engaged in good works so "that they may be praised by others."
(c) The Pharisee described in Luke 18:12 gave, but for the wrong reason. He was trying to impress God with his giving and in doing so became selfish and legalistic.
(d) Some people give to relieve a guilty conscience. It makes them feel good about themselves and gives them something to brag about.
(e) Others may give out of a feeling of obligation and duty, which often translates into a grudging giver, as in 2 Corinthians 9:7, Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (Wayne Mack, Maximum Impact, 21-22).
Keep in mind, whatever does not proceed from faith is sin (Rom 14:23). Yes, that includes even good deeds. Lord, may our faith grow abundantly and our love increase (2 Thess 1:3) so that our good deeds would be fueled by faith working through love (Gal 5:6).