Letter From The Editor’s Desk. What Is the Truth? How to Identify and Deal with the Secret Motives of Others

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What are secret motives?

A secret motive is a hidden reason for doing something. It’s something that we don’t want others to know about, because it might make us look bad or because it would give away our true intentions.

Secret motives can be positive or negative. For example, someone might be motivated to volunteer at a soup kitchen because they want to help others. That’s a positive secret motive. But someone else might be motivated to volunteer at a soup kitchen because they want to get good publicity or meet new people. Those are negative secret motives.

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How to identify secret motives

There are a few things you can do to identify secret motives:

• Pay attention to body language. People often give away their true intentions through their body language. For example, someone who is trying to hide something might cross their arms, avoid eye contact, or fidget.
• Test the spirit to know if they know God.  Without a relationship with God they don’t have the truth in them. Its impossible as God is Truth.  
• 1 John 4:1 KJV  “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”  ²Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: ³And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. ⁴Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
• Listen carefully to what people say. Pay attention to the words they choose and the way they say them. For example, someone who is trying to manipulate you might use flattery or guilt-tripping.

• Ecclesiasticus 19:29 KJV  “A man may be known by his look, and one that hath understanding by his countenance, when thou meetest him.”

• Consider the context. Think about the situation and the people involved. What do they have to gain? What do they have to lose?

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Scripture examples of secret motives

The Bible is full of examples of secret motives. One of the most famous examples is the story of the Pharisees questioning Jesus. The Pharisees were a religious group who were known for their strict adherence to the law. But they were also known for their hypocrisy.

In Matthew 22:15-22, the Pharisees come to Jesus with a question about taxes. They are trying to trap him into saying something that will get him in trouble with the authorities. But Jesus sees through their secret motives and gives them a wise answer.

Another example of secret motives in the Bible is the story of Judas Iscariot. Judas was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. But he was also a thief. In Matthew 26:14-16, Judas goes to the chief priests and offers to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

Judas’ secret motive was greed. He wanted the money. But his betrayal also had a deeper meaning. It was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and a necessary step in God’s plan of salvation.

Remember,  Where there is a lot of confusion, there is a lie and secret motive somewhere.    1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV  “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”

Different types of secret motives

There are many different types of secret motives. Here are a few examples:

• • Greed: The desire for money or possessions.
  • Power: The desire to have control over others.
  • Fame: The desire to be known and admired.
  • Revenge: The desire to get back at someone who has hurt you.
  • Envy: The desire to have what someone else has.
  • Jealousy: The fear of losing someone or something you love.
  • Fear: The desire to avoid something that you’re afraid of.
  • Love: The desire to protect or help someone you care about.

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How to deal with the secret motives of others

Once you’ve identified someone’s secret motives, it’s important to decide how to deal with them. Here are a few options one option does not fit all situation. Never put yourself in harm way. 

IMPORTANT:  Consider the consequenes of each action or discuss the situation with someone like a professional counselor, or lawyer or pastoral person to determine another course of action. 

Friends don’t always give the best advice. They mad and are too emotional because you were taken advantage of  and may not think wisely. 

The first thought most people have is revenge but revenge belongs to the Lord.  He pays people back better than you can.  Your trust in him will not go un noticed. 

Romans 12:19 KJV  “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

Hebrews 11:6 KJV  “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

• • First, always pray about it and ask God for his guidance for he is the Counselor and He knows all things. Sometimes, it is a misunderstanding. The Lord loves when his children work things out.
  • Confront the person. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can confront the person about their secret motives. This can be a risky option, but it can also be effective.
  • Set boundaries. If you don’t want to confront the person or it could be harmful to do so, you can set boundaries to protect yourself. For example, you might limit your contact with the person or avoid discussing certain topics with them.
  • Distance yourself from the person. If the person’s secret motives are harmful or manipulative, it may be best to distance yourself from them altogether.
  • Lawyers or professional counselors may be needed. The courts calendars are full of people charging others of being unfair.   

Conclusion

Identifying and dealing with the secret motives of others can be challenging. But it’s an important skill to have. By understanding the different types of secret motives and how to spot them, we can protect ourselves from being manipulated or taken advantage of.   it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.