Keep it under your hat...

"Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi.’ But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (v. 5-12, NIV)

Jesus condemns here those who do good for a show. Remember what he taught in the sermon on the mount? Don’t announce your good deeds with trumpets. Don’t pray loudly on the street corners. Don’t moan and groan about your hunger when you’re fasting. If you bring attention to your acts of righteousness and get the applause of men, that’s all you’ll get. You’ll get your 30 seconds of fame. Maybe a pat on the back. But nothing of eternal value. So when you do good, keep it all under your hat. Give to the needy on the sly and you’ll be rewarded by God. Pray in private and God will take notice. Fast secretly and you’ll hear God’s "well done!"

Why do you do what you do? Fame and applause are awfully alluring – even if they’re just local. Watch out! Seeking the approval of men is a devil’s trap. You will be destroyed by pride if you get caught.

So do your good deeds with one purpose in mind: that God will get the glory. "You are the light of the world...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14, 16, NIV)

Do things God’s way and you’ll be rewarded eternally.

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