Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ in front of others, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Matthew 6:1 (NIV)
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Today’s Devotional
Matthew 6:1 serves as a timely reminder for all believers to examine the motivation behind our acts of righteousness. Jesus calls us to be cautious of our intentions when practicing our faith in public, warning that if our primary goal is to be seen and praised by others, we will not receive a reward from our Heavenly Father.
The heart of this verse challenges us to look inward and ask ourselves, “Why am I doing what I’m doing? Is it to glorify God or to receive praise and recognition from others?” Our actions should flow from a genuine love for God and a desire to serve Him, rather than seeking the applause of our fellow man. When our focus is on pleasing God, our actions will be a reflection of His love and grace, impacting the lives of those around us in a meaningful way.
Time to reflect
Reflecting on Matthew 6:1, consider these points to apply the teachings of this verse to your personal life:
- Examine your motives when engaging in acts of service or righteousness. Ensure that your primary goal is to honor God rather than seeking attention or praise from others.
- Be intentional in cultivating a genuine relationship with God through prayer and the study of His Word, allowing His love to be the driving force behind your actions.
- Practice humility by giving God the glory for any positive outcomes or praise that comes from your acts of service or righteousness.
- Encourage others to focus on their relationship with God and the true motives behind their actions, fostering a community of believers who seek to honor Him in all they do.
Prayer Of The Day
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and the wisdom it provides. Help us to be mindful of our motives and intentions when we practice our faith. May our actions be rooted in our love for You and our desire to serve You, rather than seeking praise and recognition from others. Teach us to be humble and to always give You the glory for the good that comes from our acts of service and righteousness. Guide us in cultivating a genuine relationship with You, so that our lives may be a reflection of Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Strengthening Faith
Considering Matthew 6:1, take these action steps to ensure your acts of righteousness are rooted in love for God:
- Regularly evaluate your motives behind your actions, and make necessary adjustments to keep your focus on pleasing God.
- Seek accountability from a trusted fellow believer who can encourage and support you in maintaining a God-centered focus in your actions.
- Be intentional in redirecting any praise or recognition you receive towards God, acknowledging His work in and through you.
Today Wisdom
Matthew 6:1 is a valuable reminder to keep our focus on God and His glory in all that we do. As we consistently evaluate our motives and maintain a God-centered perspective in our actions, we can grow in our relationship with Him and be more effective in our service to others. May we continue to seek His wisdom and guidance, allowing His love to be the driving force behind our acts of righteousness, and may our lives be a testament to His grace and goodness.
