DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- RIGHT THINGS, WRONG REASONS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – RIGHT THINGS, WRONG REASONS

"And 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 they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have received their reward." (Matthew 6:5)

How many times have I done the right thing for the wrong reason? I have gone to church because I want people to think I am a dedicated Christian. I have avoided doing some things because I don't want people to think I am not a very good Christian. I have given money in the offering plate because I wanted to show how generous I am. I go to prayer meetings to show how spiritual I am.

In this section of the Sermon On The Mount, Jesus spoke of giving alms to receive the praise of men. He spoke of praying to be seen of men. He spoke of fasting just to put on a show. Jesus says, "Don't be like that."

There is nothing wrong with any of these things. In fact, the devoted Christian will do all of these things. The question is, "Why am I doing them?" Is it just to be seen and receive recognition and praise of other people? If that is the case, then in God's eyes, I have already received my reward.

Doing the right things for the wrong reasons makes me pause and consider my motivations. If I do these things to receive men's accolades, then my motivation is wrong. However, if I do them to to please God or encourage other people in their Christian walk, then that is a proper motivation. My giving, my praying, and my fasting should be for the glory of God and a blessing to other people. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "Therefore, … whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (I Corinthians 10:31).

Just because I sometimes fail to have proper motives, I should not be deterred from doing what is good and right. As Scripture says, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due we shall reap if we do not lose heart" (Galatians 6:9). But I should make sure my motives are godly. I should always do the right things and for the right reasons.

Love, Dad