Matthew chapter 6: verses 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 honoured 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.
Matthew chapter 6: verses 16-18 (NIV)
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
1 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 31 (NIV)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
The more I thought about these passages today, the more I could see how what I learned was a follow-up to yesterday’s musings. In the age of social media, it is so easy to want to post about different aspects of our live – the good and the bad. But the most important thing Jesus teaches us in these passages is not to make a big issue of what we’re doing, just do it, and don’t worry about what people think, or for any recognition for what we have done. If we live as though everything we’re doing is for God’s glory then His is the only approval that counts.
It is perhaps more understandable when people post about difficult times. They may be looking for sympathy and support and sometimes it is a cry for help. Yet Jesus teaches us that when we are going through a hard time (like fasting) we shouldn’t draw attention to that either. Whilst is right to reach out to others for encouragement and support, there are times when even our difficult seasons should be walked with God alone. The great thing is that God sees it all, and not only sees, but is with us in the good and the bad, and that’s the most important thing of all.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that whether we are going through a time of blessing or a time of trial, we do so with You, and should seek to glorify You as we walk in the experience. Help me to seek only Your approval and not everyone else’s. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.