Read: Matthew 6:1–6
Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 7–9; John 11:1–29
Be careful not to practice your
righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will
have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1
I’ve always been impressed by the solemn, magnificent simplicity
of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington
National Cemetery. The carefully choreographed event is a moving tribute
to soldiers whose names—and sacrifice—are “known but to God.” Equally
moving are the private moments of steady pacing when the crowds are
gone: back and forth, hour after hour, day by day, in even the worst
weather.
In September 2003, Hurricane Isabel was bearing down on
Washington, DC, and the guards were told they could seek shelter during
the worst of the storm. Surprising almost no one, the guards refused!
They unselfishly stood their post to honor their fallen comrades even in
the face of a hurricane.
Underlying Jesus’s teaching in Matthew
6:1–6, I believe, is His desire for us to live with an unrelenting,
selfless devotion to Him. The Bible calls us to good deeds and holy
living, but these are to be acts of worship and obedience (vv. 4–6), not
orchestrated acts for self-glorification (v. 2). The apostle Paul
endorses this whole-life faithfulness when he pleads with us to make our
bodies “a living sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1).
May our private and public moments speak of our devotion and wholehearted commitment to You, Lord.
Grant me the strength this day, O Lord, to persevere, to return honor to Your name where I am serving. My desire is to give myself in selfless devotion because of Your love for me.
The more we serve Christ, the less we will serve self.
© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries
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