Scripture
So that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:4)
Observation
This chapter Jesus teaches us to don’t brag about these good things: what we give to others and what we pray.
They are both good things, but people were using those good deeds to show off how “good” they were by doing that, using that to build a reputation for themselves.
What Jesus is challenging here is to do good, not to get approved by others, or to built a good image of ourselves to others, but do good because our Father in heaven sees everything and knows what is in our heart.
Application
Usually, the things that is done in public are good things, they are the things we want to show to people around us, to have some kind of reward. Let’s get the social media as an example, we post the fun, the good, but rarely we would consider to post something that may give a “bad” image of ourselves to others.
And things that are done in secret are usually bad things. Lie to hide a truth, talking behind someone’s back, cheating in a game, having a affair, etc…
In God’s sight there is no faking it. There is no intentions that is not seen by Him. He knows who we truly are and he will rewards us for every good deed that was done with no second agenda. Keeping our mouth shut so we won’t speak out of pride, but been a humble servant of God.
Prayer
Lord, help me to keep secret of any good deed, and confess to others every bad deed and sin, so I’ll always remember of your grace is sufficient in my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray.