This week I am speaking on Matthew 6:1-4.
I am looking at what seems like a contradiction in the words of Jesus.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
“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.” (Matthew 6:1)
The key to understanding this is our motivation.
In Matthew 5, the motivation behind people seeing my good deeds is to glorify God.
In Matthew 6, the motivation is to be glorify myself.
Jesus encouragement in Matthew 5 is to let the whole world know how great God is.
Jesus warning in Matthew 6 is to not let the whole world know how great you are.
But here is the challenge: honestly, do I do what I do for God’s glory, or for my own honour?
Why do I like to talk about the good things happening at my church, but not about the not-so-good?
Why do we publish Partner Updates that highlight all of our community activities?
I am not suggesting that there are not good reasons, but what honestly is MY motivation?
Is it more about me being honoured, than God?