Scripture Reading: Matthew 6 1-15
It was characteristic of the Pharisees in our Lord’s time that they sought publicity and display for their religious acts. They made their prayers in as conspicuous a way as possible so that the people would observe them, mark their devoutness and be impressed with their fervor and their earnestness. This was one thing in which the disciples of Jesus were told that their religion must differ from that of the scribes and Pharisees.
They were to take heed not to do their righteousness before men. This does not mean that they were not to be good before people — they were to live righteously everywhere. There are many Divine words bidding us to be careful of our conduct in the presence of others. Jesus Himself in this same Sermon said, “So let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father.” We are to live all the while so that we shall be blameless, that those watching us, to find fault, shall have no reason for speaking against us. We are to show always to all men an example which shall honor Christ.
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