Look Good, or Do Good

January 30, 2008

By Jerry Scott

I admit, occasionally when I pray public prayers I fall into the trap of speaking to the people in the room instead of to God. I misuse my prayers and actually fail to communicate with the Lord. Honest prayers care nothing for the opinion of those who may hear them, for they are conversation with the One, not the many. That's just one way a follower of Christ can fall into the trap of trying to look good at the expense of actually doing good.

Churches fall into the trap when they give the largest donor a seat on the board regardless of his or her spiritual gifts or Christian maturity. Worshippers get it wrong the moment they start to be concerned about what the person next to them is thinking -- good or bad -- about how they are interacting with God.

Jesus warns, "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. … But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:1,3-6, NIV).

Here's the paradox in all of this. Our good works will attract attention. In this same sermon, Jesus says, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). The goodness and love that come from the life of the Spirit in us will make us stand out in a sin-filled world. But our intent must not be to attract attention. We simply love God, give our best to Him, seek His will in all things and live a life shaped to win His approval.

Are you trying to look good or are you seeking to serve God well? On the surface the difference is so slight it is seldom noticed, but over time religion that is used to enhance our reputation or our standing in the church shows our corrupt core.

"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere" (James 3:16,17).

-- Jerry D. Scott is senior pastor at Washington (N.J.) Assembly of God.