Have you ever caught yourself doing something good, but deep down, you’re hoping someone notices?
Maybe you’re helping at church, volunteering, or donating, and there’s that small part of you that wonders, “Is anyone watching?” We’ve all been there.
But Jesus calls us to a higher standard, one that challenges our motives behind what we do.
In Matthew 6:1, Jesus gives us some pretty direct advice: “Take care not to practice your righteousness in the sight of people, to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”
That hits home, doesn’t it? Jesus is warning us about a trap we can easily fall into—doing good things just to be seen and praised by others. But the heart of true righteousness isn’t about impressing people. It’s about honoring God.
What Does It Mean to Live Righteously?
As Christians, we know there are things God expects from us—helping those in need, being generous, living with integrity. These are often called acts of righteousness. But Jesus wants us to think about why we do them.
Are we doing it to make ourselves look good? Or are we doing it because we genuinely want to serve and honor God?
Take the Pharisees as an example. They were the religious leaders in Jesus’ time, known for following all the rules and making sure everyone knew it.
They prayed loudly in public places, gave to the poor where people could see, and made sure their religious acts were on full display. It wasn’t about pleasing God—it was about getting attention.
Jesus tells us that if we’re just doing good things for the recognition, we’re missing the point. Yes, people might applaud us for a while, but that’s the only reward we’ll get. Meanwhile, God’s looking for something much deeper.
Public Acts with a Private Heart
Now, you might be thinking, “Well, how can I avoid being noticed when some of the good things I do are public?” That’s a fair question.
Not every act of righteousness can be hidden. If you’re running a food bank or serving at church, people will see what you’re doing. And that’s okay!
Paul says in Romans 12:17, “Provide things honest in the sight of all men.”
So, it’s not about hiding your good deeds. Instead, it’s about where your heart is. When we serve, we should be doing it because we want to reflect God’s love and give Him the glory—not to boost our own image.
Think about it this way: Are you giving because you want to make a difference in someone’s life, or because you want people to see how generous you are?
Are you serving at church because it’s your way of worshiping God, or because you’re hoping for recognition from the pastor or congregation?
It’s all about checking our motives.
What Does Jesus Say About Rewards?
Let’s talk about rewards for a moment. We all like being appreciated, and there’s nothing wrong with feeling good when someone thanks us for what we’ve done.
But Jesus reminds us that when we seek human praise, that’s where our reward ends. We get the applause, and that’s it. But if we do good things with the right heart—focused on God—there’s a far greater reward waiting for us.
Jesus says in Matthew 6:3-4, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
God sees every act of kindness, every moment of generosity, even if no one else does. And His reward is far more lasting than a pat on the back from others.
How Do We Shift Our Focus?
So, how do we make sure our motives are in the right place? It starts with a heart check. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself when doing something good:
- Am I doing this because it’s the right thing to do, or because I want to be seen doing it?
- If no one knew I was helping, would I still be just as motivated to do it?
- Am I seeking God’s approval, or am I seeking people’s applause?
It’s also helpful to turn these moments into acts of worship. Before you do something, take a moment to pray. Ask God to help you do it with the right heart.
Ask Him to guide your actions so they reflect His love and bring glory to Him, not to yourself.
Let Your Actions Point to God
At the end of the day, everything we do should point back to God. When we help others, when we give, when we serve—it should be about making His love known.
Yes, people might notice what you’re doing, and that’s fine. But let them see Him through you. Let your actions reflect His grace, His generosity, and His love.
Jesus teaches us that true righteousness isn’t about putting on a show. It’s about living a life that’s fully aligned with God’s will, even when no one’s watching.
So, next time you find yourself doing something good, take a moment to ask yourself: Am I doing this for God or for the applause?
When our motives are right, our actions carry a much deeper meaning. And the reward that comes from God? That’s the one worth waiting for.
Devotion on Matthew 5:45 found here.
For Deeper Insights on the Sermon on the Mount: If you’re searching for an accessible, powerful commentary, I highly recommend The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7 by James Montgomery Boice. This book breaks down Jesus’ teachings with clarity and depth, guiding readers to not only understand but also live out these transformative truths. Explore more about this exceptional commentary here.
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