Matthew 6:1-18

1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Matthew 6:1-18

This is a passage that helps professional Christians like me.  Wow I just wrote that last sentence and to a degree it is true, eh.   The idea of “professional Christian” weirds me out.  The first time I heard the term it was as idea used by Andy Stanley in a sermon and a term I have thought much about as Laura and I have thought toward and worked at raising our children.  

Jesus knew the tendency of men and women to act or be one way in one situation while acting completely different in other scenarios.  This passage helps bring clarity to what it truly means to follow Christ.  The decision and the walk of faith is both public and private.  The private and intimate matters of the heart though are to be the drivers of the public displays.  I think about this truth in this way.  I am married to Laura.  Well before we married we spent a lot of time together.  We did things together, talked a lot, and studied scripture and HGTV for the purpose of learning and growing closer together.  There are natural things the common observer of us can see publicly.  Physical health, even temperament, etc. are physical attributes of a much more internal and personal relationship we have developed over time and share with one another.  This is exactly what Jesus is communicating to us.  We should not consider our public display as a driver of our inner relationship with Him, in fact it is exactly the opposite.  

As a Pastor I am careful to balance being a “professional Christian” vs. being a Dad or husband.  I’m convicted by Jesus’ teaching that if I am where I need to be with Christ there is no difference my children should see from me either in the pulpit or in my garage.  

I challenge you today with this one question.  Would a public observer of you be surprised of the habits of your private life? If so I suggest spending some time with the Lord. After all Jesus reminds us that God already knows!