1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. 2 So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 5 When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

Giving and praying are on everyone’s list of good religious things to do. Individuals and businesses give to charity because they know it enhances their reputation and business in the community. Plaques abound recognizing people’s philanthropic contributions. Eloquent prayers of the “advanced” religious person can be manufactured for adulating effect. Jesus, however, goes for the proverbial jugular. If good works are done for earthly notice, others may be impressed, but that will be the only compensation received! Cheap rewards reflect cheap activity. The praise of men, which is fleeting, compares poorly to the lavish praise of the Perfect One.

Earlier Jesus told his disciples to let their good works shine before men, not to hide them “under a bushel.” Is this a contradiction? No. The issue is one of motivation. Our efforts should be designed to bring attention to God, not to ourselves. To build His reputation, not our own. Though the difference is outwardly subtle, Jesus uses strong words to convey huge disparity. Righteousness, in one sense, should be out there for everyone to see. We shouldn’t cover up the power of God working in us and through us. But in another sense, our actions should not be ostentatious, in order to guard against self-aggrandizement which so easily betrays us. We need to consciously counter our natural tendencies, especially in areas like prayer and giving.

Notice Jesus’ use of the word, “hypocrite.” Ouch! Though He doesn’t link the identification with the Pharisees and scribes until later, we can be sure they began to squirm, along with all self-exalting religious people.

By faith we believe our Father in heaven sees everything we do, and He will give appropriate rewards. What need do we really have of human praise?

Lord, I confess my hypocrisy in wanting praise from people, cheap reward that it is. Your commendation is better, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”