“Take care not to practice your righteousness in the sight of people, to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).
Too often, sinful humans play show and tell. I’ll let you see what I want you to see and believe what I want you to believe. Jesus is interested in the heart of the matter. You should do what you do because it is right. You should do what you do because it is pleasing to the Lord. Look to the Lord, be led by Him, and walk in His royal law. In Him is all the goodness and the fulfilment you need.
Lord, You have made it clear for me. You will lead me in the way of righteousness. What others think of me is what they will think of me. Let me be more concerned with what You think. Guide me today in the way of goodness and mercy so that I may humbly walk in Your sight. Lead me always in practicing righteousness before You. Help me to do all that I do for the right reasons.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the grace I need when You say, “practice these things.” I need all the help I can get. I need You to guide and direct me in the way of righteousness. Lead me, O Lord, so that I look to You, and not to my neighbor, for approval. I will do things with others’ approval but let me not be concerned with that. Instead, let my practice be before You, seeking to do on earth as it is done in heaven. Amen.
