Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 6:1
People’s desire to seek pleasure has become a prominent fixture of society. The culture promotes it and advertising takes advantage of it. So it is not surprising that when anyone does something good, they want praise for it now! Many philanthropists today are well-known simply because of the highly-public display of their gifts.
In the time of Christ, there were three main works of religious life: giving to the poor, prayers, and fasting. The Pharisees made these actions with great pomp and fanfare so they would be recognized for their good works. However, Jesus warned His followers that those who acted that way were hypocrites, and “they have received their reward” (Matthew 6:5). It was a reward in the moment, and that was all they were going to get.
Matthew Henry, pastor and author, aptly states: “The world is but provision to the saints, it is their spending money; but it is pay to hypocrites, it is their portion.” Giving to the poor should be done “in secret” (v. 4). Let your prayers be focused on those in need with praise to God. When you fast, let no one know, but let it be for a clearer sense of, and a closer walk with, the Lord. When this is your attitude, one of humility and others-mindedness, God will reward you here and in eternity.
Pray today that the leaders in this country will serve with humility, seeking guidance from the Lord, and not caring about who gets the glory. Ask that God enables you to live with eternity in mind, as well, practicing righteousness without the need for accolades. May God be exalted.
Today’s Verse: Matthew 6:1
Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
6 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
