This verse addresses the topic of practicing righteousness and doing good deeds with the right motives. Jesus addresses His disciples, cautioning them about the importance of their motives when performing acts of charity and righteousness. He advises them to be cautious about seeking the approval and recognition of others, as it can undermine the genuine reward that comes from God.
Jesus begins by emphasizing the need for caution: "Be careful." He urges His disciples to be intentional and mindful in their actions, ensuring that their motives are aligned with God's purposes. The disciples are encouraged to examine their hearts and intentions before engaging in acts of charitable giving or righteousness.
Jesus specifically warns against doing charitable giving "before men, to be seen by them." He highlights the danger of seeking the applause and recognition of others as the primary motivation for one's actions. He encourages His disciples to focus on pleasing God rather than seeking the approval and praise of people.
The verse also introduces the concept of reward. Jesus points out that if the disciples perform their acts of charity with the intention of being seen and acknowledged by others, they will have no reward from their Father in heaven. This implies that the approval and recognition of people, if sought after as the primary motive, can hinder the spiritual reward that comes from God.
The verse challenges us to examine our own motives when engaging in acts of charity or righteousness. It prompts us to reflect on whether our actions are driven by a sincere desire to honor God and bless others or if we are seeking the praise and admiration of people. It calls us to align our motives with the values and principles of God's kingdom.
Furthermore, this verse emphasizes the importance of an authentic and humble approach to righteousness. Jesus calls us to do good deeds for the right reasons, without seeking public recognition or applause. Our acts of charity and righteousness should flow from a genuine love for God and a desire to serve others, rather than from a desire for personal gain or reputation.
The verse also reveals the nature of God as the ultimate rewarder. Jesus teaches that when our motives are pure and our actions are done with a genuine heart, our heavenly Father takes notice and rewards us accordingly. The reward may not always be immediate or tangible in this earthly life, but it is ultimately significant and eternal.
As believers, we are called to live out our faith with integrity and sincerity. We should engage in acts of charity, righteousness, and good deeds, not for personal recognition or self-glorification, but as an overflow of our love for God and our desire to reflect His character to the world.
In conclusion, Matthew 6:1 warns us about the danger of performing acts of charity and righteousness with the wrong motives—seeking the approval and recognition of others. It challenges us to align our motives with God's purposes and to prioritize pleasing Him over seeking the applause of people. May we approach our acts of charity and righteousness with sincere hearts, seeking to honor God and bless others, and may we trust in the ultimate reward that comes from our loving Heavenly Father.
See also: vs 3-4
Matthew 6:1. Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.