Today's Verse: Matthew 6:1

Monday, August 17, 1959

Be careful not to do your "acts of righteousness" before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
— Matthew 6:1
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Why do we do the things we do? What is the motivation for our behavior as a Christian person? It's so easy to fall into the trap of doing religious things so that we will look good to others - especially to our spiritual friends. This is true even when culture reacts negatively to our faith. Those around us who know about our faith and the Christians around us become the target of our good behaviors. While we want to influence everyone around us, we must never make our decisions about spiritual service based on being seen by others to be honored by them because of it. Our goal must be to honor God and bless others!

My Prayer...

Almighty God, please purify my heart of any false motivation and help me serve others based on their need and my desire to honor you in helping them. In Jesus' name, I ask for this help. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

11 Related Resources by Heartlight

Just Between the Father and Me
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued:] "Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.""
Matthew 6:1
Devo: Today's Verse
"[Jesus continued his Sermon on the Mount,] "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward..."
Looking to Get on Film?
Illustration of Matthew 6:1
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 6:1 -- Be careful not to do your "acts of righteousness" before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Goodness Out of the Spotlight
Devo: Together in Christ
"[Jesus warned his disciples,] "Watch out! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in..."
See All 11 Related Resources about Matthew 6:1

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 6:1 — Be careful not to do your "acts of righteousness" before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, August 17, 1959

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Jeremiah 51:51
"In this account the faces of the Lord's people were covered with shame, for it was a terrible thing that men should intrude into the Holy Place..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'From the Everlasting Past' (Ps. 93:2)
"Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial. You yourself are from the everlasting past."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Anticipating the Overflow' (Jn. 7:37-39)
"On the final and climactic day of the Feast, Jesus took his stand. He cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'A Sure Foundation' (1 Ti. 6:17-19)
"Dear Father, May we learn to be content and not to seek material riches. Let not our craving for riches cause us to wander away from the faith and..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse