• New Testament Reading: Matthew 6:1-18
• Old Testament Passage: Psalm 63:1-8
• Points to Ponder:

“Then Your Father…Will Reward You”

A surpassing righteousness is not only a matter of depth (attitudes not just actions), but also of
motivation (why or for whom we do what we do). Don’t misunderstand Jesus here – many of our
“acts of righteousness” will be done before men and be seen by them. Remember (or reread) what
Jesus said in Matthew 5:16. He is not saying that all our acts of righteousness must be private and
therefore unobserved by others. Rather he is calling us to do what we do for God and not for men.

For me, the question of motivation is a perplexing and challenging one. How do I know whether or
not I’m doing what I’m doing as a Christian for my Father “who sees what is done in secret” rather
than to be seen and honored by men? That question is best answered by looking at who you are and
what you do when no one is around or when know one knows.

Do I only (or mostly) give, pray or fast when others will see or know what I have done? And when
they don’t, do I find a way to make sure they know what I have done or am doing? Am I the same
person alone with God that I am when I am with my family in Christ? Does it matter to me when
others don’t recognize my deeds or give me credit for where I’m at spiritually? If you’re like me,
these are hard questions to ask and to answer honestly. But here’s what motivates me to be truly
honest with myself – my Father “who sees what is done in secret” absolutely knows the answers. So
must I.

• Questions to Consider: Thinking only about your giving, prayer habits and acts of sacrifice
(such as fasting), is it clear to you why or for whom you do what you do?