January 7
Matthew 6:1-24
What motivates you to live the way you do? Are you motivated by a desire to fit in, for material prosperity, for ease, or for God’s glory? As Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount, he wants us to consider what is motivating our actions and from whom we are seeking to receive praise. Jesus speaks multiple times to the temptation to live to be seen by others. This attitude creeps into our lives when we live primarily for the praise of others rather than God; when we are more concerned by what people will think instead of how God views us. Do you see this attitude at work in your heart and mind?
Often, we do not outright reject God’s perspective, but we can put the opinions of others where only God’s should be. We want to gain the praise of God and people, but Jesus flat out denies the possibility because “no one can serve two masters.” If we try to live this way, we are “hypocrites” who may be doing good things, but doing it for the wrong reasons. We can live for momentary rewards or for the eternal, we cannot do both. What should compel us to obedience and following God is the desire to please him. Let us obey God and pursue him whether anyone is watching or not, knowing that God always is. He is our master, we are his servants, and we should be motivated to live for his glory.
Father God, help me to pursue you whether there is any recognition from others or not. Help me to know the joy, pleasure, and peace which comes from walking with you. Amen.
Where in life have you elevated the opinions of others over God’s?
What motivates you to live the way you do? Are you motivated by a desire to fit in, for material prosperity, for ease, or for God’s glory? As Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount, he wants us to consider what is motivating our actions and from whom we are seeking to receive praise. Jesus speaks multiple times to the temptation to live to be seen by others. This attitude creeps into our lives when we live primarily for the praise of others rather than God; when we are more concerned by what people will think instead of how God views us. Do you see this attitude at work in your heart and mind?
Often, we do not outright reject God’s perspective, but we can put the opinions of others where only God’s should be. We want to gain the praise of God and people, but Jesus flat out denies the possibility because “no one can serve two masters.” If we try to live this way, we are “hypocrites” who may be doing good things, but doing it for the wrong reasons. We can live for momentary rewards or for the eternal, we cannot do both. What should compel us to obedience and following God is the desire to please him. Let us obey God and pursue him whether anyone is watching or not, knowing that God always is. He is our master, we are his servants, and we should be motivated to live for his glory.
Father God, help me to pursue you whether there is any recognition from others or not. Help me to know the joy, pleasure, and peace which comes from walking with you. Amen.
Where in life have you elevated the opinions of others over God’s?
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