Can we become virtuous without having ulterior motives?

[Believe_N_Me]

This sounds like a very philosophical question that encroaches upon religious territory.

I say that because even when people do good things, it can be from a place of virtue signaling. They want to be perceived as good so they can go to sleep at night believing that they are a good person. But being good is not how you enter the Kingdom of God (Heaven).

Honestly, I'm starting to believe that the real purpose you should be good is because it makes you feel more positive. And feeling positive is what makes you have a desire to be obedient and more likely to accept Christ's salvation, which is actually how you get to Heaven.

When you are too negative, you are more rebellious, and become suspicious and doubtful of many things. But here is where it is very harmful, you lose discernment to even know why or when to show dissent.

[JonniJacko]

A long time ago, Mr. Xiong asked a group of 10 year old boys:

"When you boys watched a action movie, who do you really, secretly rooting for. The good guy, or the bad guy?"

Nobody answered. So he said "okay raise your hand if you go for the bad guy?"

Nobody raised their hands.

So he said " okay raise your hand if you go for the good guy?"

All the boys raised their hand, except for one.

Mr Xiong had a grin, Then he proceed to asked the boy who didn't raise his hand, why he didnt raise his hand?

The boy said in a low voice, "secretly, I go for the bad guy, but I know it's wrong to, but it's natural to"

Mr. Xiong was left speechless and impressed.

People who genuinely do good, do good because they see beyond what is phsyical and natural...haha

(yeah, Im confused myself)

[Believe_N_Me]

Let's say your lover did something illegal. You didn't report them. Are you a good person?

A good person would report them because good people always do the right thing. The right thing is to report the crime.

But a good person is also someone who loves. You didn't report the crime because you love the person.

Let's say your lover discarded you. You report the crime. Are you a good person or just a spiteful person?

Any way you slice it, the lover still committed a crime so who cares if they think you did it out of spite. 

[JonniJacko]

If your partner commit a crime warranted for bad karma, and you don't report it, or make them correct it, then you too will recieve the bad karma when it comes around...haha

so the correct answer would be to do the best thing. Make them do the right thing...Turn around, drive two hours back to the store they stole that pack of bubble gum, then give their ears a beat down. ahaha and don't forget to make them pay for gas too. lol

If it's a horrible crime, one that cannot be corrected- run while you can.....LOL