Does It Matter Why You Do Mitzvos?

​Even though the act is fully permissible, if the intent is not kosher, it makes the act a different kind of an act.  This is a startling statement and therefore, the Chovos Halevavos takes out time to tell us that it is of the utmost importance whenever we do anything, to examine our motives.  Otherwise, we may G-d forbid, be losing the entire virtue of the mitzvah.  — 10 Easy Steps to Greatness (#720)