What does "to be seen by them" warn against in our spiritual practices? Setting the Verse in Context “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1) Spoken early in the Sermon on the Mount, this command introduces three examples—giving (6:2-4), praying (6:5-6), and fasting (6:16-18). In each, Jesus contrasts public showmanship with quiet God-focused devotion. The Heart of the Warning “To be seen by them” cautions us against: • Making a stage of our spiritual life, treating worship as performance. • Shifting the audience from God to people, trading eternal reward for momentary applause. • Using piety as a ladder for self-promotion, which the Lord calls hypocrisy (Matthew 6:5; 23:5). • Allowing pride to contaminate otherwise good deeds (Proverbs 16:2). Why Audience Matters • God sees in secret and rewards openly (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18). • People see only the exterior; God weighs the motive (1 Samuel 16:7). • Seeking human praise forfeits divine commendation (John 12:43; Galatians 1:10). Common Practices Easily Distorted • Giving – turning generosity into self-advertising through public announcements or social media posts. • Prayer – crafting eloquent speeches to impress listeners rather than communing with the Father. • Fasting – showcasing sacrifice by appearing miserable so others notice our “devotion.” • Service – volunteering for visible roles while neglecting unseen opportunities that lack recognition. Practical Heart-Checks • Would I still do this if no one ever found out? • Do I feel slighted when my efforts go unnoticed? • Am I more concerned with God’s smile or people’s applause? • Does this action draw attention to Christ or to me? Cultivating God-Focused Devotion • Practice secrecy when possible—anonymous gifts, private prayers, unpublicized acts of kindness. • Remember the true Audience: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) • Celebrate others’ unseen faithfulness, reinforcing a culture that values hidden obedience. • Anchor identity in being children of the Father, not in reputations constructed before men. Living the Lesson Jesus’ phrase “to be seen by them” warns that the applause of earth can eclipse the approval of heaven. Guard the motive, keep the audience singular, and let every righteous act whisper—or shout—only of Him. |
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