Matthew 6:1-4
[1] “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. [2] “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. [3] But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Head: What do you think is the reward that is mentioned in verse 4?
Heart: What motivates you to do the right thing?
Hands: How can you serve someone today for God's pleasure?
I once was challenged by a statement I heard in a sermon: "Live for an audience of One." We are reminded that as Christians, our main focus in all things is to do them for God's pleasure and God's glory.
Today's passage and the next passage focus on two aspects of Christian living where it's especially important to focus on pleasing God and God alone: righteous living and prayer. God calls us to commit to righteous living and to being merciful towards those in need. These things are not to be done for our own vanity, but for God's pleasure. Our heart's motivations matter as much as (if not more than) the actual act itself.
So in all things, seek the benefit of others, but do it for the glory of God. And as you do, you will discover the infinite pleasure of knowing that God is pleased in you! That is the greatest reward that Jesus earned for us!
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Devotional Guide:
1) Pray for understanding in your mind, for trust in your heart, and for powerful obedience in your daily living.
2) Read the passage and mark anything that blesses you, challenges you, or raises a question.
3) Reflect on the passage. What's God saying about Himself? What's God saying about you?
4) Pray in response to what God puts on your heart through the Word.