Today's Verse: Matthew 6:1

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

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 Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Living in Freedom' (Ga. 5:1-6)
"Dear Father, guarantor of freedom, Christ died to set all people free - if they will accept it! As for me, Father, I accept it and intend to live by...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Generosity and Wisdom' (Acts 11:29-30)
"[Because of the prophesied famine,] the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as...."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 24:4
"Outward practical holiness is a very precious mark of grace. It is to be feared that many professors have perverted the doctrine of justification by....."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 2:6
"For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

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