When I read the words "Do not be like them..." I went back in the text to find out who I was to avoid imitating. Matthew 6:1-7 NIV 1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.
So often I have to check my motives for writing Lessons form God. I know it started as a way to share a lesson that God had given me, but there are days when I take great pride in the people who follow this blog and those days I have to catch myself and confess.This lesson was confirmed when I read my weekly devotional from John Piper. His entire message today involved the dangers of pride even in the good things the Lord does in our life.
So I warn my fellow Christians that minister to others. Check your motives for your ministry and serve God for His glory alone.
God Bless.
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