And, therefore, for the learning of this hard lesson, thou must understand and consider that a good man for the love of God fasteth, watcheth, goeth on pilgrimage and forsaketh all the pleasures of the world sincerely in his heart, without feigning, and he hath his reward in heaven; and an hypocrite doth the same deeds out of vain-glory and for love of himself, and receiveth his reward here. Also, a true preacher of God’s Word, filled with charity and humility, sent of God and received and approved by the Church, if he preach and teach God’s Word, shall have a special reward of God; that is the aureola for his preaching. And an hypocrite or an heretic that hath no humility or charity, nor is sent of God nor yet of holy Church, if they preach, they have their reward here. Also a good man living in the world for the love of God buildeth many churches, chapels, abbeys, hospitals and doth other many good deeds of mercy, and he shall have his reward in the bliss of heaven, not for the deed in itself, but for the good will and the charity that he hath in him by the gift of God for to do these good deeds. Another man out of vanity of himself and worship and pleasing of the world and for his own name doth the same good deeds, and hath his reward here. The cause in all these is that the one hath charity and the other none; but which is the one and which is the other, our Lord knoweth, and none but He. (John Climacus)

I wonder if we, ourselves, can ever be sure of our motivations. If even the hypocrite and saint are included in the none that know.

I also wonder if in whatever we do, and however mixed our motivation, we may be susceptible to God's help. The first sphere of Dante's paradise is for those who contributed to God's purpose even though they were unable to keep their vows.

Vanity can be a step on the ladder to higher purpose. Hypocrisy involves at least a faint knowledge of the truth. God finds us where we are and, if we are listening, helps us make our way to a better place.