Words from the Rock
Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.
When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure—“playactors” I call them—treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get.
Matthew 6:1–2 Message
It’s no coincidence that Jesus’s next warning (after pointing out the good things we should be doing) is a reminder that we need to be sincere and genuine in all we do. Jesus is no fool. He knows there are fakers and takers—people who do acts of goodness for nothing but show and a pat on the back. He describes them as theatrical and hypocritical. They may draw attention to themselves, but God isn’t pleased.
Okay, we’re only human—and for that reason we all like to be appreciated. It feels good to be approved and even applauded sometimes. But when that becomes our goal, and when we attempt to draw attention to ourselves while serving God, we’d better watch out. When we go around talking about all the amazing things we’re doing for God, or when we act more generous, kind, and loving all because we know others are watching . . . well, we might as well forget about it. God isn’t impressed. For that matter, the people looking on probably aren’t either. Oh, they might smile or say, “Good job,” but they can probably see right through our little act.
God wants our goodness to come from the heart. He rejoices when we do something for someone else when no one is looking. He loves when we do good deeds secretly—when our only reward is that sweet feeling deep inside ourselves, knowing that God is pleased.
My Prayer
Dear God,
I confess that I do like approval and appreciation. But I don’t want that to be my motivation in serving you. Please show me special ways I can do good things for others without drawing attention to myself.
Amen.
Final Word
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
James 1:27 NLT
Stone for the Journey
I will be genuine before God and others—he gets the credit, not me.