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40 DAYS OF LENT: DAY #5
WORD OF TODAY: Matthew 6:1 (ESV)
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:
What is the value you think you place on what others think of you? What is the value you actually place on what others think of you? Jesus reminds us in this one verse that our Christian walk and discipleship is not just about what we do, it is also about why we do what we do. As to the questions asked to begin these thoughts, what we convince ourselves of is true doesn’t always mean that those things are actually true.
Consider today how you might behave in situations you find yourself if no one noticed you. True love is a gift given without expectation of reciprocation. How does it make you feel when your friendly smile is not returned, a kind “hello” is met with an empty stare, or a gift given finds no “thank you” in return?
We can place great importance on the responses we receive as we encounter others in our homes, offices, and even churches. As Jesus said, it’s easy to love the one who loves you. The real challenge is to love those who do not love us. Today, consider the purpose for which you do that which you do, and how much of an impact the reaction of others affects you. Today, take some time to consider how much Jesus cared for those who cared little for Him, and how any righteousness that is in you is only a reflection of His righteousness imputed.