Beware

AM Psalm [83] or 34 • PM Psalm 85, 86
2 Kings 9:1-16 • 1 Cor. 6:12-20 • Matt. 6:1-6,16-18

“Jesus said, beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen my them for them you have no reward from [God] in heaven.”

In this statement, I hear all of these things and more:

Beware of posting too many selfies.
Beware of bragging about your latest adventure.
Beware of complaining about your tough day.
Beware of showing off your new belongings.
Beware of criticizing yourself.
Beware of practicing your piety before others.

Are you practicing your piety as a show? Are we doing any of these things before others because it will add value and meaning to their lives, because we have discovered something worth sharing? Or are we practicing before others because we desire attention, approval, sympathy, a reaction?

This is not to say one can never share of their joys or their sorrows. It is to say consider one's motivation in sharing.

“But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to [God] who is in secret; and [God] who sees in secret will reward you.”

When we are motivated to practice in public—to post, to brag, to complain, to show, to criticize—first, go into your room and shut the door, be alone with yourself and God. God will see you, God will guide you, God will reward you. Then practice with right mind, heart, and spirit.

Written by Samantha Haycock

Samantha has a passion for spreading Jesus’ call for social justice, and she helps people to make connections between their daily and spiritual lives so that they can bring their whole and authentic selves to the world.