An Audience of One

Beware of practicing your righteousness before others in order to be seen by them, for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
—Matthew 6:1

Jesus starts this section of the Sermon on the Mount by defining our intended audience in life. 

As we are trying to serve others, as we are trying to live holy lives, and as we are truly trying to be God’s people, we shouldn’t seek the appreciation or praise of other people. As we live as followers of Jesus, we should only be concerned with an audience of One. Our Heavenly Father sees what we do and knows our hearts. In the verses to come, Jesus will give some examples of where we can go wrong, but suffice it to say that we shouldn’t worry about what others think. Let’s just try to do what God wants us to do. God may approve. 

Prayer

God, let me focus on You and Your will for my life. Let me grow to really care about my relationship with You. Amen.