DAILY DEVOTION, August 22, 2021

Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 6:1, ESV).

As redeemed Christians, we are called to live a life of good works. We are to strive to honor God daily. Being a Christian is a 24/7 calling. We do not carve out a place for God, and the rest belongs to us.  We are to walk with Him, including Him in every aspect of our lives.  However, Jesus cautions us not to go out of our way to practice our righteousness so that others notice. If we do good things so that others will notice how good we are, we lose our reward.

God has promised to reward faithfulness in heaven. Heaven itself is a gift given to all who trust in Jesus. However, loyalty to God will be rewarded in heaven. The point is that as we live the Christian life, we are oblivious to others and what they may think. Our focus is on serving God, not gaining praise from people. Our motive must never be to gain the recognition of others.

Yes, sometimes our good works are noticed by others, but that must never be our motive. If it is, you can kiss goodbye to God’s rewards.

Father, I do want to be a person who practices righteousness. Therefore, help me to serve You out of love for You, oblivious to what others may think. If the good I do goes unnoticed by others, I know that You are aware of what I do. That is all that matters. I do thank You for the gift of eternal life and for the promise of rewards in heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.