Examine Your Why

In Matthew, the Lord gives what could be viewed as mixed messages.  In one passage, Jesus says, “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them” (Matthew 6:1) but  Jesus also says, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works” (Matthew 5:15-16).

Why on earth would Jesus speak out of both sides of his mouth!  I suggest that Jesus is ultimately saying the same thing:  check your motives!

In the first quote, Jesus warns that if you seek the pity or approval of humans, then you have your reward.  You want people to talk about you?  Then when you do something to stir up their gossip, you have your reward.  However, if you want to be noted by God, then don’t do grandstanding for human attention. Do what is appropriate without the expectation of recognition by others.  Seek your recognition from God.

In the second quote, Jesus notes that you should celebrate your giftedness to God’s glory.  I remember being at a meeting one time at Baylor. During the meeting, someone asked Dr. Eileen Hulme about her leadership. Dr. Hulme responded that she believed God had gifted her with leadership skills and it was her humble responsibility to use those skills to the best of her ability.

WOW, this was an incredible perspective for me.  Having been raised a good Southern girl, I was basically taught to downplay everything good about myself so to think that here was a woman I greatly admired saying it was not only ok, but it was our responsibility to honor God by using our giftedness-well, that blew me away! 

So the question becomes what is your motive-are you acting out in a way that provokes God’s affirmation or the praise of peers.  Jesus says it’s best to seek God’s affirmation so that’s the route I’ll take!