To Be Seen of Men or GOD?

Most, if not all toxic traits employed in our life are based upon how we allow other people to influence us. Pride, while to one extreme it focuses on self, is often fueled by our fear of how others see us. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of praying, fasting, and giving to the poor and warns, do not be like the hypocrite.

“…when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” Matthew 6:2

“…when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that men may see them. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” Matthew 6:5

“…when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” Matthew 6:16

The hypocrites’ actions are motivated by pride. The desire in each of these three examples is to be glorified by man. Jesus teaches that the reward one receives from actions motivated by pride, is fleeting. The reward of being glorified by man is confined exclusively to life here upon the earth. Pride driven actions therefore have a short-term reward with long term consequences.

Matthew 6:2,5,16 (GNB) I assure you, they have already been paid in full.

If I have been paid in full on earth, what awaits me in eternity?

“…when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” Matthew 6:3-4

“…when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:6

“…when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:17-18

“A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.” Proverbs 29:23