TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1
Read: Matthew 6:1
Listen: Matthew 6
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Those listening to Jesus on the hillside are very familiar with others who practiced their “righteousness in front of others” (Matthew 6:1). The Pharisees (Jewish religious leaders who strictly follow their interpretation of the Scriptures) are masters at it. Much of their religious practice —giving, praying and fasting—is done in front of “others” and for their approval. Jesus isn’t speaking out against what they are doing. He’s warning about the why and how of what they’re doing.
Doing things with the primary motivation of being noticed by “others” is a warning Jesus repeatedly gives in this part of his message (Matthew 6:1-2; 6:5; 6:16). This warning certainly speaks to how we practice our faith. But it also speaks to how we live all our life. It speaks to anything we do where our motivation is to get the approval of others. Jesus’s teaching challenges us about why we say certain things, dress a certain way or buy certain things. If our motivation is to get the attention of others—this warning is for us.
Jesus tells us there’s a better way to live that doesn’t leave us exhausted, discouraged and anxious. In this way, we understand that Jesus’s death on the cross means we’ve already received his approval—the only one who truly matters.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Begin the process of being open to what God has for you through this series. Ask God to show you where your motivation needs to change. Pray a prayer like this, “Father, help me to become the person you created me to be. Show me those areas where your Spirit needs to work in my heart. Help me to trust you through the process of becoming more like Jesus. Amen.”
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is Galatians 5.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
