“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them…”
Matthew 6:1 (NIV)
As a photographer, I am constantly searching for that perfect shot, the one moment that will soon be gone forever. Every twenty seconds, the scene shifts: lighting changes, people move, and angles are lost. In wildlife photography, the change is even more rapid – every two seconds, something shifts, like a bird flying away or an animal being startled. With the latest phones, we no longer need specialized long-range cameras. A quick flip between front and back cameras can capture these fleeting moments, ready to be shared instantly on social media. Now, we have front-row seats to life’s best and worst moments in real-time, including acts of kindness and compassion.
But in today’s Scripture, we are reminded to approach life differently.
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men” (Matthew 6:1 – NKJV). The words “charitable deeds” in this context refer to righteousness. Jesus instructs us not to practice our righteousness to be admired by others. After revealing God’s high standard for righteousness, He warns against the temptation to seek applause for it. There’s always a danger of focusing on how others perceive our good deeds, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of performing for their praise. This doesn’t contradict Jesus’ earlier instruction to let our light shine before men (Matthew 5:16), but it clarifies that our good works should glorify God, not ourselves.
“Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1 – NKJV). When we seek attention or approval from others for our righteous acts, their recognition becomes our only reward. How much better it is to receive a reward from our Father in heaven. As we reflect on our service in God’s Kingdom today, let us remember His love, grace, and mercy, and let those inspire our actions – not the applause of others.
Prayer
Jesus, I come before You, acknowledging that, at times, I seek recognition rather than focusing on serving those in need. Help me to act in love and humility, not for personal reward, but to honour You. In Your name, I pray, Amen.
Read: Luke 14:13-15; Hebrews 7:4-5
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 118:17-29; Colossians 4:2-18; Jeremiah 16; Jeremiah 17
