Our Hidden Motives

Chuckle: "Lesson I've learned from dogs: Sometimes the less impressive the pedigree, the more engaging the personality." --Mark Patinkin

Quote: "Success is living in such a way that you are using what God has given you - your intellect, abilities, and energy - to reach the purpose that He intends for your life." --Kathi Hudson

"Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen of them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1 NIV).

We hide much about ourselves: secret thoughts, secret desires, secret feelings because we're ashamed of what's inside of us. Others may think we have a pure heart, are unselfish, are strong and courageous, but we know how impure, selfish, and weak we really are. There is a hidden part of ourselves we never reveal. In Matthew 6, Jesus directs our attention to our hidden lives. He draws the contrast between our outward appearance and our inner spiritual reality. On the outside we can appear to be seeking God, or trying to do what's right; but on the inside we can be preoccupied with impressing others. It's not God's approval we're seeking, but the praise of others.

Eugene Peterson: "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding." Who is our audience? How can we avoid making performances out of our prayers, fasting, and giving? Maybe we should examine our hidden motives.

Question One: How much money, time, and talent would you joyfully give to kingdom causes, if the only one who knew about it was God? If the plate was never passed in worship and if you weren't concerned about your spouse complaining that you're cheap. If you weren't worried that the kids would grow up and see you not being a generous person and all that. If you didn't get a tax deduction for it. Jesus said, "Give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you" (Matthew 6:4 NLT).

Question Two: How often would you pray, if no one but God was keeping track? If you weren't trying to teach your children about the importance of prayer; or when you are out for dinner with a group from church and if you weren't concerned that people would think you unspiritual if you didn't say some sort of prayer before the meal... If no one but God knew you were praying, how often would you pray? To what extent would prayer be a part of your life? Jesus said, "But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly. Then your Father , who knows all secrets, will reward you" (Matthew 6:6 NLT).

Question Three: How important would spiritual disciplines like fasting (denying yourself food for a time to pursue spiritual development), coming to worship, solitude, bible study, etc. be if no one but God knew? Jesus said, "But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will suspect you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in secret. And your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you" (Matthew 6:17-18 NLT).

We are reminded that God and God alone will pass the final judgment on us. Who have you made your audience? Parents? Teachers? Friends? Husband? Wife? Children? Boss? Co- workers? Church friends? All of these are important people, but we will never be free, never be whole, until God is the One whom we seek to please.

Love, Jerry & Dotse