“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.” (Matthew 6:1)
Real righteousness is practiced in both the public and private areas of our life. But many people only practice their righteous acts in public. How about you? Do you find yourself mainly doing “Christian things” only when you’re in a church setting or when someone is around you? Or do you also practice your righteousness from Monday through Saturday and when there’s no one for you to impress?
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is teaching his disciples what real righteousness looks like. And it is not how many of the religious leaders and the synagogue attenders (“church goers”) were doing it. In fact, it seemed that the only time they gave, prayed, fasted, or did any spiritual activity was either in a church-like setting or when someone could see them do it. So looking “spiritual” (or “Christian”) in front of others was their main motivator for giving, praying, fasting, and seeking God. And Jesus explains that these people are missing it.
Their lives which had no private righteous acts, revealed that they most likely didn’t have a real relationship with God. Because their “relationship” with God was built on serving themselves, and making themselves look good in front of others. But God wants us to not only seek him in public settings, but also in the secret places, where no one can see but him. Where it’s just you and God. No one else.
As God wants our relationship with him to be both public and private, so he wants our righteous acts to be as well. Pastor Matt, in his sermon a few weeks ago said, “How can you judge how practically righteous you are? Ask yourself these questions: How do you treat your spouse when she is unkind to you? How do you respond to a brother or sister in Christ when they argue with you? How do you serve that coworker who can’t do anything for you? How do you bless that neighbor who is always a pain to you? That’s the measuring stick of your righteousness.”
So pursue an authentic life with God that leads to also a powerful secret life with him, which then leads to loving those around you better. When you do this, Jesus promises “And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4)