Righteousness Isn’t to Make Me Look Good
This message continues a study of the Sermon on the Mount, this time in Matthew chapter six. Jesus challenges the conventional understanding of righteousness, which was often demonstrated through public displays of piety by the religious leaders of His time.
Several common practices were used to exhibit righteousness in Jesus’ day, such as giving to the needy, praying, and fasting. These acts, while inherently good, were often performed with the wrong motives—to be seen and praised by others rather than to honor God. Jesus condemns these practices, labeling them as hypocritical and emphasizing that true righteousness is about the condition of the heart and the intent behind the actions.
We are called to live for an audience of one—God—rather than seeking validation from others. In today’s culture, the temptation to conform and seek approval from the crowd can be just as strong as the overt displays of piety in Jesus’ time. We need to take a deep, introspective look at our life and commit to pursuing righteousness that honors God in every aspect, from daily actions to the condition of the heart.