“So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, so that they will be praised by people. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full” (Matthew 6:2).
When you do what you do to receive the approval of men, you will get what you are after. This is temporary and fleeting. The Lord desires for you to do what you do not just for His approval, but because it will make you to become like Christ. The Lord created you to live a certain way. When you live that way, you will find the joy that comes in right living and no longer look to others for approval.
Lord, I do look for approval from others. Help me to humbly do what is right. Take what I want on the outside and bring it to the inside so that I look to You in and for all things. Lead me to practice those things I know are right, but do not do. Show me the way You would have me go and grant me the willingness to do these things for no other reason than it is the right thing to do.
Lord Jesus, You promised to give me a new heart. Grant that I would have a heart that seeks to please the Father always. Guide me in the way of righteousness so that I am more interested in what is right than in what others think about what I am doing. I know I will need Your grace to do this Lord, so lead me by grace to continue practicing righteousness for the sake of others, knowing that this will please You. Amen.
