What is your motivation? (Matt 6:16-18)

Matthew 6:16-18   16 "And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.  17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,  18 so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 


Jesus seems to be giving mixed messages. First, he says to "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).  But then he says, "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" (Matthew 6:2).  Then he says not to pray on the public street corner, but in your closet and now he says not to let others know that you are fasting.

It seems inconsistent until we realize that it is all about what motivates us.  If you let people see your good works, make sure you are doing it so they will praise God.  But if your motive is to be rewarded, then it is better to do it so no one will know.

Whatever you do today... whether it is fasting - or giving away money - or doing some good deed, if you let others know what you are doing, make sure your motivation is to bring glory to God.