Secret Life, Real Reward
Scripture
Matthew 6:3–4 (NASB)
“But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."
Matthew 6:6 (NASB)
"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."
Matthew 6:17-18 (NASB)
"But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."
Devotion
Three times in Matthew 6, Jesus repeats a phrase: “Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
He contrasts two kinds of people:
Pastor pointed out that “hypocrite” came from the world of Greek theatre—an actor wearing a mask. Church can easily turn us into religious actors: we know the lines (hallelujah, I’m blessed), the cues (raise hands here), and the role (good Christian). But behind the mask, we’re unchanged.
The real test of whether you’re performing or following is your secret life with God. Does anything meaningful happen with you and God when there’s no camera, no microphone, no audience, no “like” button? Do you pray when no one is watching? Give when no one will thank you? Fast without telling the world how spiritual you are?
Performers crave visible rewards: praise, platform, titles. Followers seek the invisible reward: the Father’s pleasure, His presence, and the eternal “Well done.”
Reflection
Matthew 6:3–4 (NASB)
“But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."
Matthew 6:6 (NASB)
"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."
Matthew 6:17-18 (NASB)
"But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."
Devotion
Three times in Matthew 6, Jesus repeats a phrase: “Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
He contrasts two kinds of people:
- Hypocrites, who make sure others notice their giving, praying, and fasting.
- Children, who do these things before the Father’s eyes alone.
Pastor pointed out that “hypocrite” came from the world of Greek theatre—an actor wearing a mask. Church can easily turn us into religious actors: we know the lines (hallelujah, I’m blessed), the cues (raise hands here), and the role (good Christian). But behind the mask, we’re unchanged.
The real test of whether you’re performing or following is your secret life with God. Does anything meaningful happen with you and God when there’s no camera, no microphone, no audience, no “like” button? Do you pray when no one is watching? Give when no one will thank you? Fast without telling the world how spiritual you are?
Performers crave visible rewards: praise, platform, titles. Followers seek the invisible reward: the Father’s pleasure, His presence, and the eternal “Well done.”
Reflection
- Which spiritual habits in your life are mostly public (seen by others)? Which are truly secret (seen only by God)?
- Where are you tempted to “sound the trumpet” about what you’re doing for God (posting, mentioning, hinting)?
- Choose one secret act today—give, pray, or fast—in a way that absolutely no one else will know. Do it for your Father’s eyes alone.