Don't be a hypocrite

Matthew  6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Hypocrisy is the practice of claiming to have higher standards or more noble beliefs than what it is.  In these verses, Jesus warns against practicing our righteousness for show, particularly when it comes to prayer.

 He cautions us about those who love to pray in public places, seeking attention and admiration from others. Instead, Jesus encourages a genuine, sincere connection with God that surpass mere outward appearances.

How often do we find ourselves putting on a shade, pretending to be more righteous than we truly are? Are we motivated by a desire for the approval of others rather than seeking the approval of God? These questions invite us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith and the sincerity of our actions.

Jesus challenges us to go beyond the surface, to delve into the depths of our intentions. He emphasizes the importance of a private, personal relationship with God—one that isn't tainted by the desire for public recognition. Our prayers, Jesus teaches, should come from the heart, not from a desire to be seen by others.

As we examine our own lives, let us consider the areas where hypocrisy may have taken root. Are we consistent in our beliefs, values, and actions, or do we wear a mask to fit into different scenarios? Jesus' words remind us that true righteousness is born out of a genuine love for God, not from a desire to impress our peers.

Let us strive to be people of integrity, embodying the principles of humility, sincerity, and authenticity. Jesus calls us to be true disciples, practicing what we preach, and living lives that align with the values we claim to hold.

In conclusion, Our prayers must  be heartfelt, our actions sincere, and our lives free from the shackles of hypocrisy if we want God's commendation rather than the praise of men. 

God bless you. 

Prayer key:

1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name. 

2. Lord, forgive me fir being an hypocrite in time past in Jesus Christ name. 

3. Lord, grant me the grace to be your genuine follower, reflecting your love in every aspect of my life in Jesus Christ name. 

4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.