Matthew 6 begins with Jesus teaching about the substance of our spirituality, specifically the reasons that we do what we do. His purpose is to show us what is pleasing to God versus what is empty and fake.
Jesus makes examples of certain “spiritual men” who did the right things, but with the wrong motivations. His name for them: hypocrites. Our word hypocrite comes from the Greek word hupokrites which means an actor under an assumed character. A stage player. A pretender – not the real thing.
Could He be talking about me? It’s been a long time since I’ve issued a press release about my tithe, stood on a corner and prayed a loud prayer, or torn my clothes, sprinkled ashes on my head and made a big show of fasting. But still these verses prompt me to stop and examine the authenticity of my spiritual life – my faith, actions and words.
- Am I really seeking God, or just going through the motions of church and a weekly men’s group?
- Am I really talking with God, or just throwing words in His direction? Am I even listening?
- Am I trying to create or protect a reputation, or am I working to develop God’s character?
- Am I the real deal, or a pretender?
You don’t have to be a news junkie to know that these are troubling and challenging times. Our media, our schools, even some of our churches are moving away from God’s Word and His Truth, feeding instead our egos and an unbiblical notion of individual freedom. And acting spiritual isn’t going to change anything, much less save us. So if that’s all we’re doing we might as well stop. In Matthew 7:23, Jesus looked at one such actor (who had convinced himself, even) and said, “Depart from me. I never knew you.”
The message for us today: It’s time to get real. You might have once dreamed of winning the Academy Award for best actor, but I assure you that you don’t want Jesus to be the one giving it to you!
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