Matthew 6:1-4 Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
There is a Godly righteousness and there exists a Worldly righteousness. Righteousness can be related to God or to man. Words to help us understand the meaning of ‘righteousness’ include: morality, goodness, integrity, uprightness, correctness and decency. These elements of righteousness can be molded to conform to the world or to God’s standards. The differences between the world and God’s forms of righteousness make themselves known in the forms, motivations and rewards associated with the Pharisee and the Christian.
The Pharisee is ostentatious in the religious life. Their actions are designed to be visible to others in order to receive praise from men. The good opinions of others motivate them to become people pleasers, only as it meets their needs or standards. Their righteousness is self-motivated and self-centered. Their actions are designed to bring attention to themselves. Center stage is the place most sought by the Pharisee. They are actors playing the role in a religious performance, to an audience of fellow actors. The rewards are great but are temporary at best. Their righteousness is as filthy rags, it will wear out as the world moves and changes.
The Christian, on the other hand, displays his righteousness in secret. Only one other person can see, God. Their words are few because the audience knows their words and thoughts. All their efforts are directed towards God so they can be anonymous to the world in giving, praying and fasting. In secret, as the world is concerned, is no secret to God. Their secret acts are an acknowledgement to the one they love most. Such times are moments of faith in the one they know is watching.
The Christian reward for secret righteousness will be a reward from God in secret. He will receive it in public later, in heaven, by God.
