Continuing in the Sermon on the Mount this morning. We ended yesterday’s devotion talking about living our lives to the letter of the Law or living it free, i.e. doing our actions out of love. Continuing on to the next section, Jesus doesn’t totally shift gears but He does change motives. Why we do what we do.
He begins Matthew 6 with talking about practicing our righteousness before people. All for the purpose he says, “to be seen by others.” One of the characteristics of a Pharisee was doing what they were doing to be seen by others. Be nice to that homeless person? Watch me! Give that little extra in the offering plate? Watch me! Pray or sing in public worship? Watch me! It was all about see me, watch me, be impressed by me.
Jesus puts them in their place. Sound no trumpet. Don’t let your right hand know what your left one is doing. Pray in secret. Pray pointedly not with extra words. Don’t let people know you are fasting. That reminds me of the story I read years ago and have seen off and on down through the years. Some young ones were setting up a club house but couldn’t agree on who was to lead. They finally came up with some rules: 1. Nobody act big. 2. Nobody act small. 3. Everybody act medium. In other words, there are no big shots; there are no little shots; we are all medium shots.
Jesus would concur. Maybe He would even say, “Everybody be a servant. Everybody be small.” I know one thing He would say: “Whatever you do, do it for others. Not for applause. Not to be seen. But because you are Mine and you want people to see Me.”
“Father, may that be my prayer today. Help me to be all in for You and for people to see You in me.”
I think that is good advice for any organization, place of employment, family, etc… Sure there will be some that need to steer the ship, but the title or job being done should not matter when it comes to respect and how others are treated. It definitely does not matter when it comes to “displaying my goodness” for others to see. They won’t be voting for my entry into “the club” at the end of my life. Only God has that vote and it doesn’t rely on my goodness at all.
What a wonderful way to put it Ryan! Those last couple of sentences will preach!
I love the story of the clubhouse kids, and how you related it to Jesus’ teaching, Bill! Yes, those who would be greatest must be the servant of all.
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. That story has always stuck with me.
Wow. Great summary. It is all about Him. He is the only One that can save their soul. And if He can be humble, then we should be striving for it too! I know you do.
A needed reminder.