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Do Unto the Lord in SEcret and Be Not Like Hypocrites
How many people do you know boast what they give, or when they fast or when they pray?
These people are looking for their reward on earth but the Lord says greater is your reward in heaven when you do it in secret. Each deed whether in alms, praying or fasting should be done in the right motive.
Alms
In verse 1 on alms (giving as an act of charity) - Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, tobe seen of tem; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father is in heaven.
In verse 2 - Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the ynagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men... They literally sounded trumpets under the pretext of calling the poor, though with no other design than to gratify self by giving in public. They gave not in true humility (from the heart and compassion).
Giving in secret will be honored openly by God.
When you pray
vs. 5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing i the syngagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Not only not just pray in secret but not in vain reputation. But pray with a humble heart. Pray for God's will be done on earth, seek it as christ did, do it from the heart, live it and not be conformed to this world but be protected from temptation of the world. In vs. 9-14 is a model of prayer but it needs to be from the heart.
When we fast
When we fast, we are told not to do it openly, with a sad countenance, but to do it unto the Lord with a humble heart, with gladness and joy.
vs. 16-17 Moreover when ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thu appear not unto men to fast...
Why wash your face? In the Old Testament, they would smear their faces with ashes.
To have blessings instead of curses, it is better to do these things in secret with a right and humble heart than to show off and want men's praises. God is the one who truly rewards us, and he looks at man's heart.
By Coach Teresa Morin - Anxious2Victorious Women 12-week program, or
Touch of God International Ministries - a Christian Healing and Deliverance Ministry - Setting the Captives Free from curses
