Hiding Religiosity

2024-08-02

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them... (Matthew 6:1)

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet... (Matthew 6:6)

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face (Matthew 6:17)

We were told, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Why the difference between this verse in the previous chapter and these three admonitions here?

I believe the solution is this: We avoid looking religious to be praised by others. We do good works to point others to the Lord. What makes us look good should be avoided; whatever shows that God is good is to be embraced. We must decrease and be humbled by the cross. He must be exalted.