Motive Does Matter - 2 Samuel 5-9

We aren't much for people's motives in regard to interpreting their behaviors.  In fact, we told not to question anyone's motive.  However, motive is key to understanding behavior.  In 1 Thess. 5:14 Paul specifically tells us to consider motive and to change our discipline or response toward people accordingly.   In 6:21 of this section we see the Michael, Saul's daughter and David's first wife (earned for killing the enemy) judges David's motive for dancing before the "maids" of Jerusalem as evil and as foolish.  But, David let's her know that his dancing around the Ark's return was "before the Lord" or, as to the Lord.  Others judged his motives wrong and that would lead to accusation and false judgements.  But, God knows our motives.  In fact, in Hebrews 4:12 we read that His Word judges and discerns our motives.   Yes, it is tough for us to judge the motives of others.   But, that shouldn't stop us from inquiry and diligence in our understanding of their behaviors.  We typically view "poor motives" for behaviors "we don't like."   Michael was envious of David's joy and how that joy was contagious to others.   She was not part of that joy so, instead of judging her own motives, she judged David's.   Let's consider the motives of others.   What you see as selfish or inappropriate others might be doing "as to the Lord."