The first line of a 2010 Forbes article reads, “Like a good tax advisor, a charitable connection is now considered essential for a celebrity building, a brand.” That’s pretty much true for most sectors of society, isn’t it? Good works are often a means of brightening up a company or person’s public image and a vehicle for greater success rather than an actual expression of heartfelt love and service. Oftentimes, the same is true for devotion to God (e.g. giving, praying and fasting). These gifts of grace, given to the follower of Jesus to cultivate a heart more like God’s and reap heavenly rewards, instead are often used for selfish ends. If we’re honest, we all drift toward performing acts of devotion to be esteemed by people rather than God. We all enjoy being recognized and rewarded for doing good.

Kingdom | PDA | Matthew 6:1-18