Matthew 6 The Other Side of Public Deeds: Secret Deeds

In the last chapter, Jesus had just said how important it is to do good deeds before men. But throughout this chapter, our Lord addresses the matter of perfecting our inner motives. WHY do I want to do good that would be noticed by others? To glorify my Father? Or, do I begin to want to be admired? For this respectaholic, I know the answer. Very quickly I slip into hypocrisy, doing deeds for show. So, Jesus says "Be careful!"

Take care, He says, about giving alms. Give secretly. Pray secretly, not for public show. (I well understand how much easier it is to stay on task when praying out loud with others. But I have a tendency to step over the line in my motives and offer deeper, longer prayers in front of others to gain their respect.) Fast secretly.

I cannot expect to win the approval of both God and of men. Wow, that's a puzzle. I so much want both. But the Pharisees did, too, and Jesus says that all of their reward was the respect they gained on earth. So, if I can't have both, which will I choose? Will I choose to be a professional Christian, a public lead worshiper, a man with a holy reputation? Or given the choice, will I choose to secretly please my Father?

LORD, today I want to make my choice. You alone.