PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 6

What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others.” (Matthew 6:1)
How does this fit with how we’re called to shine our light before others (5:16)?
The difference is in why we do it, to glorify God or seek glory for ourselves.
He is referring here to showy religion, to impress others by your goodness.
God is not impressed by showy faith, he desires sincere faith.
Our faith does not need to be done in secret, but for God only.
Yet the risk is there, especially some acts of righteousness.
Living showing off with a huge donation, or a finely-worded prayer.
Or an expressive act of worship like fasting.
It is nice to receive the credit, to be rewarded with praise.
Do I do what I do for God, or for how it makes me look and feel?
Do I value the fact that God will see it and be pleased by it?
When I pray, or preach, or raise hands in worship, who is my audience?
To be honest, my motives are mixed, and sometimes more for others than God.
This is a real struggle for me, something I need to “be careful” about.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I want people to know you and God, but I also like it when they think well of me. Gently remind me when I am more focused on me, and help me to shift my focus where it belongs.