To be seen by men...

"But all their works they (The Pharisees and Scribes) do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at the feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi! Rabbi!'" -Matthew 23:5-7

Whenever I read these verses I get this piercing feeling inside of me. The first sentence is especially nagging. "But all their works they do to be seen by men." How often, when I do something good, is it to be seen by men?! How often, when I serve at church, is it so people see that and think well of me? How often, when I unexpectedly do something to help out at home, is it just so my parents see it and thank me? How many times do I really do something for others just to bring glory to my God?! Jesus called the pharisees a "Brood of vipers," "Blind guides," and "Fools!" I think the Pharisees main problem was the one thing they had studied how NOT to do their entire lives. They went after idols, and their idols were themselves. They wanted others to see them as perfect, holy, above the rest! They longed for people to tell them how wonderful, and righteous they were, because for them, serving God wasn't enough. It's so easy to fall into this mindset...I know I do.

In Matthew 6 Jesus says, "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly!"

I have been so incredibly challenged by this recently! Being seen by Christ is enough! It's satisfying! It brings joy! I know that while people will fail me, or let me down, Christ never will! I know that while people disappoint me, Christ remains the same! When I live for Him, I am living life as Jesus meant for it to be lived...abundantly! So, I'd challenge you to join me! I've asked several people to pray for me specifically for this, and through His power I am living for Him! Sure, I mess up...all the time! But I know that when I fail, asking forgiveness, getting up again, and keeping on is worth it...because God, and a life spent with Him is worth it!
The whole point of this blog is to be able to pray for each other, and edify each other, so I'd like to ask you all to pray for me as well while I work on this area of my life. If you are working on this with me, be encouraged! God doesn't leave us on our own!
"Do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I AM YOUR GOD! I will strengthen you, and help you! I will uphold you with my righteous right hand!"