[But] take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. Matthew 6:1 NABRE
Jesus speaks about doing good for the sake of accolades from others. Jesus says righteous deeds performed in order that others might see is a motive not in keeping with the meaning of being a disciples of Jesus. A righteous deed is a good act done in the name of charity or honoring of God. For example being generous to someone in the name of God is a righteous deed. If we are generous because we want the person’s gratitude then it is not a righteous deed so much as a barter between two people with one having power over the other. This request of Jesus to perform righteous deeds, somewhat hidden, appears at first to go against His previous teaching to let your light shine, “Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16) A righteous deed should be a deed that speaks about God, doing good so others will know that God is the one who brings goodness into the world, even through other people. Jesus refers to those who perform good deeds so that others may praise them as hypocrites.
Jesus is teaching the beatitudes, blessings for a good life, and wants us to live these teachings which invite us to turn everything over to God. If we turn to God always we will be guided to a joyful life. If in this moment of trying to be righteous we push for our own glory instead of God’s it will undo all the good work God has done in our life. Our righteousness depends on God completely; giving and receiving. Let your light shine for the glory of God remembering it is God providing us righteousness so we may help others.
Why do you do good deeds? Have you received more than you have given?
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