I have done some things in secret that I would not want others to know. How about you? Ironically, God knows everything I do in secret. In His multitude of grace, He still loves me. This inner desire in me to be liked or recognized by other people can be a terrible trap. What matters most is what happens between me and God “in secret”. Jesus said that practicing righteousness, giving to the poor, and praying in secret before the God whom we know in a personal way, is what really matters… and He promises a reward. Let’s spend more time showing God than showing off.
Take care not to practice your righteousness in the sight of people, to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, so that they will be praised by people. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your charitable giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
And when you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they will be seen by people. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But as for you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:1-6 NASB
What temptation to parade my righteousness do I need to fight off right now? How can I take the good God places on my heart and keep it secret between He and I?
God, as this day begins- I want to be proud one day of what I do in secret. Resolve in me the silly desire to be liked, recognized, patted on the head, and praised. Instead, instill in me a holy fire to be ever close to You and a source of Your praise. Thank you for the many moments in secret where You have met me and moved me.
