How can Matthew 6:1 guide our motives in performing acts of righteousness? Setting the Scene “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward with your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1) A Call to Examine the Heart • Jesus begins with “Beware,” signaling danger—not of doing good works, but of doing them with showy motives. • The standard He raises is not merely outward compliance; it reaches to the hidden intentions (cf. 1 Samuel 16:7). • God’s omniscient gaze means nothing is truly secret (Hebrews 4:13). This truth invites sincere self-inspection: Why am I doing this? For applause or for the Father? The Snare of Public Applause • Human praise is immediate, tangible, and addictive. • Giving, serving, praying, or fasting chiefly “to be seen” trades eternal reward for momentary approval (John 12:43). • When we crave approval from people, we subtly dethrone God as the audience of our lives (Galatians 1:10). Living for the Father’s Reward • Jesus is not against public acts; He is against publicity-seeking hearts. • True righteousness seeks the Father’s pleasure, trusting His promise of reward (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18). • The Father’s reward is multifaceted: deeper intimacy with Him now (John 14:21) and eternal commendation later (2 Corinthians 5:10). Practical Checkpoints for Pure Motives 1. Private Practice – Cultivate secret disciplines: anonymous generosity, unadvertised fasting, quiet intercession. – What we do when no one is watching reveals whose “well done” we desire. 2. Quiet Glory-Redirects – When thanks come, sincerely deflect glory to God (Matthew 5:16). – “To God be the glory” must be more than a phrase; it’s an inner reflex. 3. Heart Audits – Before acting, pause and ask: “Would I still do this if no one found out?” – After acting, evaluate: “Am I disappointed if I receive no recognition?” 4. Scripture Saturation – Regular immersion in passages like Colossians 3:23-24 keeps the focus vertical: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord…”. Encouragement for the Journey • The Father sees—even the cup of cold water offered quietly (Matthew 10:42). • Hidden faithfulness often shapes eternity more than headline deeds (Mark 12:41-44). • Walk in freedom: when motives are purified, acts of righteousness become joyful worship, not burdensome performance. Takeaway Matthew 6:1 calls believers to exchange the fleeting glare of human spotlight for the steady, satisfying approval of the Father who sees in secret and rewards openly. |
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