So, if we
are to be the light of the world (5:14), then why does Jesus spend so much of
chapter 6 seemingly warning about being that light? “Don’t be merciful in
public; don’t pray out loud; hide it when you fast.” Jesus is here speaking to motivation.
Let me give you a small example. My family has always prayed before we eat,
even in restaurants. We think it’s an important part of our witness. On the
other hand, we don’t make big deal about it. We don’t stand up, join hands, and
pray at the top of our lungs. Our point is not to draw attention to ourselves,
but if anyone is looking, we want them to know we are Jesus’ people.
The question
becomes, “Why are you doing what you’re doing?” Are you doing it to impress
other people? Wrong motivation. Are you doing it to impress God? Really
wrong motivation! Are you doing it out of love for God and love for neighbor?
There you go! As the saying goes “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when
no one is watching.” Change integrity to righteousness and you have the right
lesson. Faith doesn’t care about the praise. Faith does what it does because it’s
motivated by love.
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