In Matthew 6:1, Jesus says, "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."

Jesus knows our hearts all too well. He knows that we are often motivated to do spiritual things so that others might see us. We want the approval and affirmation of other people, so we find ways to do our good deeds before them so that we might receive their recognition and approval. While this may earn us the approval of other people, it will not earn us the approval of our heavenly Father.

If we do spiritual things simply so that others will see us, then Jesus says that we will have no reward from our heavenly Father.  God does not reward such service because He knows that it is not genuine. The service that God recognizes is the service that is done from the heart for Him and Him alone. So, Jesus tells us to not pray like the hypocrites who pray "that they may be seen by others" (Matt 6:5). Instead, we are told: "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" (Matt. 6:6).

The true reward is for those who serve God in secret, who practice their righteousness before Him in order to be seen by Him alone. May God form within us sincere hearts that truly beat for His glory and not our own.

Sunday morning worship is a Saturday night decision! One of the best ways to get the most out of our time together in corporate worship is to come prepared, going to bed early on Saturday night, and by reviewing the sermon text, our song list, and our responsive readings. To help you prepare for Sunday worship, I've provided each element of our worship below for your review prior to Sunday.

 

In Christ,

Hunter Hanson