Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders
What occupies your mind most as you begin the Lenten journey? To transform yourself into a better person over these 40 days? To make resolutions of “giving up” certain foods or unacceptable behaviors? To spend more time in prayer?
Surely there is nothing wrong with such thinking. Yet Jesus cautions us about making a show of it. Somehow when we start broadcasting to others that we are fasting or that we are taking on projects to help the needy, these acts of sacrifice and service immediately lose their sacredness. It turns our focus away from God, and attempts to shine light on ourselves, and our actions.
The real reason we should engage in acts of sacrifice, generosity, and prayer is because we love God and want to please him. Yet, our motives need to be pure. The Scriptures tell us “Be sincere in your love for others” (Romans 12:9, CEV). Hypocrisy, friends, does not become a Christian.
Quite often when Jesus would rebuke the Pharisees or Teachers of the Law, he would call them “hypocrites” because they would be quick to tell everyone what God requires, but never uphold it themselves.
Jesus, in no uncertain terms, says, “When you pray, don't be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners. They do this just to look good….” (Matthew 6:5, CEV).
How often are we guilty of loudly proclaiming our accomplishments, or talking about what we have given others, that an eavesdropper can get the scoop on us? Humility ought to be the “garments of righteousness” that we Christians wear.
God is willing to bless our efforts but our attitude must be in line with God’s Word and never be self-serving. As we look introspectively during the Lenten journey, let’s determine to weed out whatever is illegitimately taking God’s place in our hearts and lives. Let’s do good for the right reason. Not so much that others may praise us, but that our light would shine before others and glorify our Father who is in heaven.
PRAYER: Lord, walk with us these 40 days. Quiet our fears. Make us strong for the journey, and when we grow weak or weary, let us acknowledge that we need you, and depend solely on your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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