Jesus condemned those that publicly announced their good deeds and instead commended those who performed them in secret. He told us not to make a big show of prayer, nor to let us think that we would be heard better by loquacious skill or "babbling" in our praying. He urged us not to make it obvious when we fasted; instead, acting as if the day were normal.
But why all this secrecy? Because when we do these things, it is God we are honouring, not man or ourselves. Making a big song and dance about it all really turns the spotlight on...to you. It accentuates your "holiness" and is the reason why Jesus said "They have [already] received their reward in full". But the real reason we give, pray and fast is to bless, connect with, and acknowledge God. There should be no other reason.
5 comments:
Amen! :) Great post.
Great post, Adam.
good stuff
Haha, you should write a song about it!
Thanks for the reminder. :-) That also rather reminds me of the verse in Matthew that says to seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness...
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