“Don’t Do It For Show”

​B I B L E  B I T S  &  B I T E S
Devotions for Families

​Season: Jesus’ Sermon on the Mountain
Episode 6: “Don’t Do It For Show”
Today’s Bible Bite: Matthew 6:1-18

Video Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAjLVVe4q5A (Cartoon Bible – Pray in Private)

“When you give to the poor, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get… When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get…And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:2,5,16-18, NLT)

There are many things that we should do as Jesus’ followers, like being generous to others, praying and fasting to God. But Jesus warned everyone that these things were best done in secret; if we make a show of being generous or super spiritual, God won’t reward us. God rewards us when we obey His commandments and live to please Him; but, if we work to let everyone around us know all the good things we’re doing, so that they will think we’re special, we haven’t actually done it for God. God cares about our motives. If we’re trying to please Him, we can keep it a secret and He’ll still know about it; if we’re just trying to get others to notice, God isn’t interested.
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Think about it...
• Jesus wants us to be kind and generous, but not to go around bragging about it. How can I do good deeds in secret?
• We need to pray to God, both on our own and with others. How can I avoid the danger of just trying to look spiritual and better than everyone else when I pray?
• Fasting is when you go without something, usually food, so that you can spend extra time with God. Why shouldn’t you brag about fasting?
• Even good things we do for God, can become less than good when we don’t keep the right motives. What should be our motive for doing good? (hint: it’s not just to get a reward!)
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Prayer: Thank you, God, that we can serve you. Help me to live my life as a humble follower—not boastful or trying to have everyone see how good a Christian I am. All that matters is what you think of me and that I obey you with the right motives.
~ Pastor Jane