April 23, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

In the same Sermon of the Mount, Jesus teaches His disciples to let people see their good works (Matthew 5:16). On the other hand, He tells them that when they give to the needy, pray or fast, they are not to get the attention of people. What gives?

The big difference is motive. The purpose of His instruction to let our light shine is so that men may see it and give glory to God. His warning about being ostentatious with charitable deeds is not about them per se but against the self-centered intention of being noticed by men and obtaining their praise. As we fulfill our calling, let us be careful to remember the Psalmist’s prayer, “Not to us, O Lord, but to Your name be glory.” Then we will find fulfillment in our piety.