This chapter continues the ‘Sermon on the Mount’. Again Jesus hits home on several topics Jewish culture (and modern culture) frequently misunderstands.
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them… when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret… But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (v1,6,17-18,20,34 abr)
Though Jesus hits on several themes in detail, the overarching theme I initially see is the concept of “your Father who sees in secret” (v4,6,18). For each topic (giving, prayer, fasting, investing, provision) there is an element of doing these things privately, in ‘secret’, without seeking recognition from others.
Why wouldn’t God want us telling others that we are generous people, who pray consistently, follow His word, are good stewards, and rely on Him for provision? Perhaps the reason is a five letter word: ‘pride’.
The biblical meaning of pride is essentially ‘misplaced worth’, thinking too highly of ourselves, and thinking of ourselves first. Pride is the opposite of ‘humility’, which is essentially elevating others and putting God first (loving Him and our neighbors). Humility is also realizing that we are completely powerless regarding sin – nothing we do can pay the price for it, nor can we resist temptation without God’s help, so we cannot take any credit (ie. be prideful) in the righteousness department.
If we are using our devotion to God to promote ourselves (eg. like the Pharisees), we are feeding our own personal pride, rather than glorifying God and helping build His kingdom. Our devotion to God should glorify Him, not ourselves. Like many concepts in the Bible, this one comes down to our heart and attitude behind our actions/words.
I encourage us today to do all of these things Jesus touched on (give generously, pray consistently, fast, be good stewards, rely on God for provision), but to do so subtly and without showing off or bragging about it. Let’s obey God humbly, and when others take notice, we will be far better witnesses for God than if we appear ‘holier than thou’.
Father God, our Most High Lord, we worship You with all our might. May we take to heart the teachings of Jesus, be generous to those in need, pray unceasingly, follow Your practices, be good stewards of all You provide, and rely on You alone. May we do these things out of obedience and in all humility, trusting that any example we set is in alignment with Your word. May our ‘secrecy’ properly testify of You, and bring You alone the glory, forever and ever, from this day forward, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training