The Hidden Motive
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven." – Matthew 6:1
Jesus does not just care about what you do. He cares deeply about why you do it. In His sermon, He warns us to be careful not to live out our faith for the sake of attention. The Pharisees were experts at looking holy. They prayed, fasted, and gave to the poor. But the real reason behind their actions was to gain applause. They wanted people to say, “Look how spiritual they are.” And Jesus made it clear that when that is your motive, you have already received your reward.
Today, not much has changed. We live in a culture where cameras are always rolling. Good deeds often come with hashtags and highlight reels. And while it may look like generosity or compassion, Jesus is asking us to examine the motive. Is it really about blessing others and honoring God, or is it about recognition?
This challenge is not limited to influencers and YouTubers. It hits close to home. Maybe you have thought, I will donate if they put my name on the plaque. Or I will help if I get noticed. Maybe you have even given quietly but secretly hoped someone would find out. The temptation to be seen runs deep. But Kingdom love does not perform. It serves.
God is not impressed by public displays of religion when the heart is aiming for credit. He is looking for people who will give, serve, pray, and love even when nobody sees. When it is just you and God, will you still do the right thing?
Jesus is not telling us to stop doing good. He is just making sure we do not lose the reward of heaven by chasing the applause of earth. Let your motive be pure. Let your giving be quiet. Let your heart be focused on pleasing the One who sees in secret. Because His reward is far greater than anything the world could offer.
Jesus does not just care about what you do. He cares deeply about why you do it. In His sermon, He warns us to be careful not to live out our faith for the sake of attention. The Pharisees were experts at looking holy. They prayed, fasted, and gave to the poor. But the real reason behind their actions was to gain applause. They wanted people to say, “Look how spiritual they are.” And Jesus made it clear that when that is your motive, you have already received your reward.
Today, not much has changed. We live in a culture where cameras are always rolling. Good deeds often come with hashtags and highlight reels. And while it may look like generosity or compassion, Jesus is asking us to examine the motive. Is it really about blessing others and honoring God, or is it about recognition?
This challenge is not limited to influencers and YouTubers. It hits close to home. Maybe you have thought, I will donate if they put my name on the plaque. Or I will help if I get noticed. Maybe you have even given quietly but secretly hoped someone would find out. The temptation to be seen runs deep. But Kingdom love does not perform. It serves.
God is not impressed by public displays of religion when the heart is aiming for credit. He is looking for people who will give, serve, pray, and love even when nobody sees. When it is just you and God, will you still do the right thing?
Jesus is not telling us to stop doing good. He is just making sure we do not lose the reward of heaven by chasing the applause of earth. Let your motive be pure. Let your giving be quiet. Let your heart be focused on pleasing the One who sees in secret. Because His reward is far greater than anything the world could offer.
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