I Am Because You Are September 12, 2025 Devotional

MATTHEW 6:1-2 |   ¹”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. ² “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.

Here we have modesty provisions! These instructions on not being publicly pious or grandly generous seem at odds with the command to be a very visible light in the darkness. Shall we be public or       private? Secret do-gooders or open proclaimers?

Like a master psychologist, Jesus points out the dangers of public witness: who benefits? If we are motivated by approval or personal glory, our philanthropy or testimony is not really God-honoring. It is simply an exercise in ego stroking and reputation building. Bold witness and righteous action must further a humble purpose, that others see beyond us to the One who is virtue’s true source.

What motivates your good deeds?

Gracious God,

Purify my motivations. Harness my ego for Your better purposes. Teach me humility.

Amen.