PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 6:1-4
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness… to be honoured by others.” (Matthew 6:1-2)
It can be hard to do good and not be seen by others.
Usually someone sees it – the person that benefits and others nearby.
But Jesus’ concern is not on being seen, but on the motive for it.
The motive behind the giving is not loving God or people.
It is the reward of being praised, of people seeing and honoring you.
Actually, being honoured isn’t the issue, since doing good is honourable.
Love for God and love for people is a good, honourable motive.
Love for self – being praised and honoured – is not.
Imagine a parent being good to their child because they want to be praised.
Knowing my own heart, I admit that I do like it when others notice.
Honour is not my main goal, but it is a nice side benefit.
Jesus knows this and is urging us to “be careful” in how we do good.
As much as possible, minimize attention and maximize blessing for others!
Is there a way I am drawing attention to myself that I need to minimize?
PRAYER
Lord, love for God and people ought to motivate me more than it does. Help me to minimize my own benefit, and maximize the benefit for others!
Who is it for? If I’m doing it to win the praise and respect of others – my motive is wrong. Jesus teaches rather that what I do is for others and by so doing I also express my love for God – because God loves all people. Any recognition that comes to me for what I’ve done – is a distraction – even if I like it – that can lead to pride and self-glory – vain glory! I sometimes have to kick myself when thoughts of ‘Oh you did that well – didn’t you’ comes to mind – I repent of that and it bugs me. It bothered me when I would hear my parents talk about some achievement I had made to relatives or to others and it bothers me today! Still it is there – and Jesus words: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” are a constant reminder!
Be Christ like. Serve Him.
As Christ came to serve I too must do the same. It needs to be part of my Christlikeness. Love God. Love man. And that love needs to come to expression in word and deed. Just do it because it is the right thing to do. Since God has blessed me with many a good thing I need to be a blessing unto others.
I praise the God of grace,
I trust his truth and might.
He calls me his, I call him mine,
my God, my joy, my light.
My Lord has saved my life,
and freely pardon gives;
I love because he first loved me,
I live because he lives.