28Sep16

Matthew 6:1 The Message
"Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding."

A play can be really entertaining. It may even teach us something very important. However, to the actors, the play is just that... a play. It's an act. It is not their reality no matter how convincing they are to the audience. For a moment they may convince the world that they are someone they are not or feeling something they are not. But, they remain the same. This happens to us when we put on a show of righteousness. When we do good things simply because they will look good or we think it is the right thing to do. We put on our mask and perform for those around us but, the truth in our hearts has not changed in the least. Don't do good simply to be seen, to look good, or to impress those you think are judging your performance. We should be concerned about the applause of only one person... God. He knows what the reality is and He delights in the genuine work of your hands. Where are you "acting" in your life? What would happen if you stepped from the lime-light and simply worked on your heart?