Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
In these verses Jesus speaks of three common religious practices – charitable giving, praying and fasting. We can see that He assumed His followers would do these things because He says, “when you do a charitable deed” (v.2), “when you pray” (v.5) and “when you fast” (v.16) rather than “if”. But what He says here makes it clear that His primary concern is the motive behind these actions. Why do we do them?
The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were ostentatious about these practices. When they gave a charitable gift they stood in a public place and blew a trumpet – ostensibly because they needed to call the poor and needy to come and receive but, in fact, because they wanted everyone else to see their generosity and praise them for it. Similarly, when they prayed they would stand on street corners and make a lot of noise with their prayers so that others would remark on their piety. When they fasted they would go around with miserable faces and neglect their personal grooming, sometimes even putting ash or other substances on their faces to draw attention to themselves, in order to make sure that the people around them were impressed by their sacrifice.
Jesus made it very clear that, while other people might be impressed by such behaviours, God certainly is not. He saw that the Pharisees were play-acting. They were not giving, or praying or fasting because they loved God and their fellow men. They were looking for the approval of people but the fleeting praise of men would be their only reward. God’s rewards are reserved for those who do these things quietly and sincerely because they love Him and want to please Him. He sees what men do not.
Whose approval are you looking for? Do you need people to say “well done” in order to make you feel good about yourself? Are you fearful of rejection or failing to meet people’s expectations of you? The truth is that, as citizens of God’s kingdom we have been accepted and affirmed by God Himself. We do not need the approval of those who do not know and love Him. We need to recognise that we cannot please both God and man.
Galatians 1:10 (ESV) “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Seeking man’s approval will cause us to compromise on what God wants of us.
John 12:42-43 “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; [43] for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”
We are called to be like Jesus and to continue His work no matter what the people around us think. That will not make us popular with everyone but the rewards are great.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.”
Prayer
Father God,
I am sorry for the times when I have been more concerned about what people think of me than pleasing You. Thank You that You accept and love me as I am and that I walk in Your grace and favour. Help me to let go of my need for the approval of others and to serve You with a sincere and humble heart.
Amen.
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