July 18, Matthew 6
Why do you do what you do in the practice of your religion? Giving to a needy person, praying to God and fasting are expressions of your spirituality. But why do you do these things?
Jesus warned that all these good acts can be done for the wrong reasons. If we do what we do to get other people’s attention and win their approval, Jesus said there’s no reward from God the Father for doing it. But if our devotions are performed in a quiet, understated way, he said the Father who sees in secret will reward us.
This is a special temptation for preachers and other church leaders. Wanting to “set a good example,” we may want to tell about our righteous deeds. It may be embarrassing to admit it, but most of us want to be liked. We hunger for acceptance, approval and recognition of our efforts. A pat on the back is nice, but receiving praise should not be our motive for doing spiritual things.
Psychologists say many people are driven to do what they do because they want to please their fathers. Famous athletes, successful business people and ordinary men and women raising their families often attribute their success or overachievement to a deep desire to win their father’s approval. Some grownup kids carry lifelong emotional scars from trying to please a parent who could not be pleased. There is healing in knowing our heavenly Father sees and rewards the things we do for him.
When our acts of righteousness are done before an audience of one, and we realize whatever good we do is because of his enabling grace, pride and self-righteousness melt away. We become less conscious of how we look or who sees us. It’s fine if others approve, but we’re not seeking their applause. If others fail to appreciate our efforts, we are not deterred by their criticism. We do not quit if we are ignored, because we weren’t doing it for attention in the first place. There is both power and freedom in this design.
That same Father would save us from the crippling effects of worry. He promises to provide whatever we need if we make his kingdom and his righteousness our highest priority. Just as he sees what we do, God knows what we need. He loves us and wants us to have what we need. Jesus calls us away from anxiety to a life of trusting a faithful Father who feeds the birds and clothes the wildflowers.
Imagine the real, tangible benefits of knowing a Father who sees and rewards those who serve him, who knows and provides for those who put him first.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide
for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used
by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—July 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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