Matthew 6:1

Matthew 6:1
The first eighteen verses of chapter six deal with motives in worship. The thoughts here should immediately catch our attention. Jesus has been talking about our character, our morality, and our interaction with our fellow man. Suddenly He changes direction and utters the words, “Beware!” or “Take heed!” In other words, “What I am about to say is critical because it concerns things in which men commonly stumble.” But we might be somewhat surprised. Isn’t God pleased with worship no matter how it comes before Him? Would He really find fault with our worship? Indeed, Old Testament history teaches us that God has repeatedly condemned and even struck dead those who did not worship Him correctly (Lev.10:1-3). Therefore, what Jesus is about to say is critical.The key word throughout this section is “Father.” It has to do with whether the Father is always before our eyes as we worship or serve Him. Since the Father is invisible, the more natural course is to consider how others see our worship and then offer worship that would be commendable before men. But this is not worship. Worship involves pleasing God and God alone. Worship cannot be concerned with whether men are pleased or whether others consider us “spiritual.”

Worship is about receiving a “reward.” Jesus states that the reward can either be from men or from God. If we are seeking a reward from men, then we will worship with men in mind. But if we are seeking a reward from God, we will worship with God in mind. Consider the reward. From men, the reward would be their praise. The praise of men is empty and fairly meaningless. From God, the reward would go beyond His praise, though His praise is significant. Worship is intended to help us grow to be more like our Father. To worship with God before our eyes is to receive the reward of becoming like Him. Only then is the purpose of worship is fulfilled.

Berry Kercheville