“As water cannot rise higher than its source, so the moral quality in an act can never be higher than the motive that inspires it. For this reason no act that arises from an evil motive can be good, even though some good may appear to come out of it. Every deed done out of anger or spite, for instance, will be found at last to have been done for the enemy and against the kingdom of God.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis of Tozer's Quote
In this quote by A.W. Tozer, the author speaks about the importance of motives in determining the moral quality of an act. Tozer uses the analogy of water rising to explain that just as water cannot rise higher than its source, the moral quality of an act cannot be higher than the motive that inspires it. This emphasizes the idea that even if something good appears to come out of an act done with an evil motive, the act itself is still tainted. Tozer warns that deeds done out of negative emotions such as anger or spite ultimately work against the kingdom of God, highlighting the importance of pure and righteous motives in all actions.
Modern Relevance:
In today's world, where social media and instant gratification often dictate our actions, the words of A.W. Tozer ring true more than ever. The idea that the motive behind our actions is just as important as the act itself can be applied to various aspects of our lives. From relationships to work to politics, understanding the importance of our intentions can help us make more ethical and meaningful choices. Let's delve deeper into why the motive behind our actions matters in the modern context.
A.W. Tozer on the Importance of Motive in Actions
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of motive in our actions, highlighting how the moral quality of an act is determined by the motive that inspires it. He asserts that acts driven by evil motives can never be truly good.
- "No act that arises from an evil motive can be good, even though some good may appear to come out of it."
- "Every deed done out of anger or spite will be found at last to have been done for the enemy and against the kingdom of God."
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on the quote by A.W. Tozer, consider the following questions as you think about the motives behind your actions and the moral quality of those actions:
- What motivates me to do good deeds or acts of kindness?
- Have there been times when I have acted out of anger or spite? How did these motives affect the outcome of my actions?
- How can I ensure that my motives are aligned with the kingdom of God and lead to good outcomes?
- In what ways can I cultivate a pure and selfless motive in all that I do?
- How can I become more aware of my motives before taking action in order to ensure they are in line with the values I hold dear?
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