But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matthew 6:6 WEB
This scripture highlights the difference between sincerity and insincerity. In it, Jesus instructs the faithful to pray to our Father in secret. With these words, Jesus assures that God rewards those who seek him in truth rather than for the approval of others. Jesus begins chapter six of the gospel of Matthew teaching that righteous acts performed to be seen by others receive no reward from our Father in heaven.
The Lord warns that when we give to those in need seeking the honor of other men, we receive reward from man and not God. Jesus condemns the hypocrisy of anyone who on the surface seems to serve God but whose motivation stems from self promotion rather than genuine service to the kingdom of heaven.
Performing righteous acts in secret would have been seen as radical in the time of Jesus’ ministry. The religious society of the time placed high value on being seen as righteous by others. Jesus corrects this attitude, informing his listeners that if their only motive is appearing righteous before others, God will not reward them for their seemingly good deeds.
Whitened Tombs
Many pseudo religious individuals appear righteous at first glance but their internal motivation is not to serve God but instead to serve themselves. Jesus describes this type of person in Matthew 23:27-28 saying, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones and of all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. WEB”
Jesus teaches the same message against hypocrisy in our prayer life. The Lord reveals in the fifth verse of the sixth chapter of Matthew that those who pray to be seen by others only receive the reward of others knowing that they pray. He encourages the faithful and sincere to “pray to your Father” in secret. Jesus promises that the Father who sees in secret openly rewards those who refrain from hypocrisy.
This does not mean that we cannot pray in public. Jesus’ message about how to pray to our Father teaches the proper motivation for prayer. In addition, it encourages a rich prayer life that is centered on a relationship with God rather than a prayer life that is focused on appearing righteous to other people.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy word. Thank you for teaching us how to pray. Give me wisdom to discern right from wrong. Guide my steps to serve your will. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: A Great Multitude
