But All Their Works They Do for to Be Seen of Men (Matthew 23:5)

2023-11-20

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments (Matthew 23:5)

Part of the many problems of the religious leaders was that their religion was to be seen by others to gain their approval. I know I have fallen into this trap, as many others have. The problem comes where religion is not respected. Will you still be bold in those days?

I think this is part of what we need to do. We never want to be showy with the faith so that it brings attention to ourselves. At the same time, “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). There is a difference between fabricated religiosity and service from the heart, in which we need the Lord to provide these things through us.