Read Matthew 6:1-4 NIV
“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.
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Good deeds are only righteous when done out of sincere devotion and a desire for an intimate relationship with God, not for the sake of being recognized by people or to gain their approval. I often ask myself (& God), ‘What is it that the Lord wants me to do?’ I wait a little while for an answer and then I set out for the day. When the day isn’t going as I think it should, I begin to question what I am doing and start looking for reassurance in the people around me. I seek out affirmation. I am energized by praises, compliments, and accolades. I’m guilty of “tooting my own horn.” I move from actions that are focused on God to actions that are focused on me. I no longer am looking to please the heart of God but looking to meet my own needs and please myself or reassure myself – instead of allowing God to do that for me. This isn’t God’s best for me.
The way to please God comes through our recognition that our eyes need to be focused on him in all things – everyday…an audience of one.
Please pray with me:
Lord, I desire to do all that is pleasing to YOU everyday. I know in my heart that You see me and I want that to be enough, yet I yearn for the approval of others and seek out praise from people whom I barely know. I ask that You help me with my insecurities and better understand my worth from Your perspective. Thank you for loving me and providing all I need. In Jesus Name, Amen
