Do you like to be seen? Do you want others to observe your acts of goodness? Do you tell others about every act of kindness you perform? Are your actions different when being observed by others than when you are alone? Are you being hypocritical?
Most of us want to be seen. But some of us want to be in the spotlight. We want to receive accolades for what we are doing. We may even put on a show of doing good in front of others. If we act differently when alone, we are being hypocritical.
When Jesus says we are to be careful about practicing our righteousness before others, He is not saying we should not participate in worship services. He is telling us not to put on a show of doing good in front of others just to get a pat on the back. If we do that, we have received our reward. We received what we were looking for.
If we read Matthew 6:3, we see the oft quoted “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” The point is not to about actions as much as it is about attitude. Out motivation for doing good must be to show Jesus to others. Many want others to see the large donations they are giving to charitable organizations. They want the moment of recognition or fame.
Jesus tells us to do good without seeking recognition. Do the good privately and without bragging. Do the good work for an individual or make your donation privately. When we do, God will reward us. He will bless us in ways we cannot anticipate and may not see. For God is always working on behalf of those who love him. Therefore, practice your righteousness out of your love for God.
I pray we all are motivated by our love for God. I pray we do our good works without showboating. I pray each one of us will seek a reward from our heavenly Father rather than people. Be motivated by love. Do not showboat. Seek God’s reward. Do your good works without fanfare.
Matthew 6:1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before others in order to be seen by them, for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Marty Pressey 