Matthew 6:1
1 “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ in front of others, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Have you ever noticed those that love constant attention of others? Jesus had just finished his sermon on the beatitudes but was speaking very candidly about how we operate in everyday life. Jesus was aware that there are some who only do good works to have the attention of the public eye. He was particularly referencing those that help others in need. They are seeking constant praise and reward. There's nothing wrong with helping others and wanting to see others move forward but the question remains, "why are you doing it? We are in a society that says intentions don't matter only results but with our one and only savior, Jesus Christ and our Father in heaven, intention means a lot. If our intention is actually about wanting to do the work of our Lord and to see others succeed, then it's ok. For God will store up crowns for us in heaven. But if the intention is to have all eyes on us and to say that it's because of us that someone is or isn't then that is not of God. It is self-centered and not God-centered.
The next time any of us do an act of kindness, examine if it's genuine or is it because we want to look good in the eyes of someone other than God?
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