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Matthew 6:1 (BSB)
“Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions““Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 6:1
Imagine you’re at a party, and someone is showing off their shiny new gadget, hoping everyone will look at them in awe. This verse is saying, "Hold on a second!" It's like a friendly nudge, reminding you that when you do good things, it shouldn’t be just for the applause. You want your kindness and generosity to come from your heart, not just to be seen by others. It’s about the intention behind your actions. If you’re just in it for the likes or the compliments, you might miss out on something deeper and more rewarding.
This book was written by Matthew, one of Jesus’ followers who had a unique perspective as someone who was once a tax collector. Imagine Matthew, who had a job that made him unpopular, now sharing these teachings about sincerity and authenticity. He knew firsthand how it felt to be judged and viewed through a lens of suspicion. That’s why he emphasizes the importance of doing good for the right reasons. He wanted people to understand that true worth comes from a genuine heart, not from what others think.
This was written in a time when people were often judged by their appearances and social status. Imagine walking through crowded streets where everyone was trying to show off how great they were. In this culture, the idea of being seen and admired was huge. But Jesus, in this setting, flips that idea on its head. It’s like he’s saying, ‘Hey, your real worth isn’t about how others see you—it’s about what’s in your heart.’ This was a radical shift in thinking that challenged the norms of the day.
This verse is incredibly relevant today. Think about how much pressure there is to show off on social media or to impress others. It can be tempting to do good things just for the likes or compliments. But here’s the kicker: when you focus on being genuine, you create deeper connections and find real fulfillment. It’s about the joy of giving, helping, and being your authentic self without needing the spotlight. This message encourages you to look inward and ask, 'Am I doing this for the right reasons?' It’s a reminder that true happiness comes from sincerity, not from being seen.
This week, try to do one good deed without telling anyone about it. Maybe help a neighbor, donate to a local charity, or simply give someone a compliment. The key is to do it quietly, without seeking attention. Notice how it feels to give just for the joy of giving. Reflect on your motivations—ask yourself why you’re doing it. This practice can shift your focus from seeking approval to finding joy in your actions.
In the flow of this chapter, Jesus is teaching people about what it truly means to live a life that reflects good values. He’s addressing how we express our goodness in a world that often craves attention. Right before this moment, He talks about giving to those in need, praying, and other acts of kindness. This verse is crucial because it sets the stage for understanding that our actions should be genuine, not performance art for others. It’s a pivotal moment where the focus shifts from external validation to internal authenticity, which is a game-changer in how we approach our lives.
When you think about the good things you do, how often do you do them for the praise of others versus the joy they bring you? What might change if you focused more on your intentions?
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