It’s difficult to live your life for Jesus. To REALLY live for Jesus is complicated. I say that because it’s about more than just our words and actions. Living for Christ is about our heart. And matters of the heart are complex.
A good friend was recently confessing their pridefulness is certain areas. Pride is a matter of the heart. My friend was telling me about how they sometimes do good things for bad reason, prideful reasons. Their confession got me thinking about my own pride.
In Matthew 6:1-4, we read Jesus’ words: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 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.”
Thus to truly follow Christ, we not only have to do the right things, but we have to do them for the right reasons. Above all, we have to do good deeds for the Lord - not for ourselves, not for others. Instead of trying to impress others or make ourselves feel good, our motive must be to please and honor the Lord in our actions. Our heart must be right before Him. Thank goodness that the Lord has given us a new heart. Otherwise, our task would be impossible. As it is, it’s just really difficult. Lord help us.
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