Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they
disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. I tell you the truth,
they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only
to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in
secret, will reward you." NIV
Sweet Lord,
In these area of Matthew, the times You say "I tell you the truth",You contrast doing "acts of righteousness" in secret instead of publicly. You are telling me not to show off to get the attention and glory of men. If I do, then the reward of men will be all I will ever get. However; if I do them in secret so just You and I know it, The Father, who sees will reward me.
Because you emphasize this with "I tell you the truth", it must have been that the Pharisees were saying otherwise.
O Lord, please keep me from being a haughty believer who would parade my acts in front of others to get the praise of men! Thank You that I do not get feedback from others who might read this blog and if You use it in the lives of those who do, I do not get the praise. If what You teach me through Your word helps someone else, then AMEN! But don't let me know about it unless someone has a question. These are indeed my conversations with YOU done in private.
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