Why do we do what we do? What drives our actions? Some believe the falsehood that their good deeds will save them in the end. God will not reward those who do deeds for selfish reasons. Self preservation is a primal motive in us but only by grace are we saved.
''Unlike humans, God clearly sees both the actions and the intents of human beings, a fact that means God has a considerably different evaluation of our deeds, one that is based upon our motives: "God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight" ( Luke 16:15 ; cf. 1 Sam 16:7 ; Psalm 7:9 ; Jer 11:20 ). At times the Bible seems to speak of God responding to people primarily or only on the basis of their motives, but in other places the Bible seems to depict God judging on the basis of their deeds alone. It is by a careful balancing of both deeds and motives that God judges humans and consequently rewards or punishes them ( 1 Kings 8:39 ; Jer 17:10 ; Rom 2:2-16 ; 1 Cor 3:8-4:4 ; Eph 6:5-8 ; Col 3:22-25 ; Rev 2:23 ). How God sorts out motives and deeds is not discussed and is by definition beyond human scrutiny. The matter is further complicated by the fact that what individuals intend by their actions is not always achieved, and, conversely, every action results in unintended consequences (both good and evil). God's habit of transforming the evil motives of humans into good results suggests that God is mercifully sympathetic with the human condition: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" ( Gen 50:20 ; cf. Acts 2:23-24 ).''
I think we should consider more about 'Why am I doing this?' Are we seeking recognition by others or are we truly seeking His glory through our deeds? Consider the Pharisees, who took prayer and took it to a boastful level of words from an empty heart. The downfall lies within the 'WHY?'