Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying the scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. (Matthew 23:1-7)
Jesus was teaching a very important lesson here, that of our motives. What is the real reason we do what we do? Is it for personal gain? Is it for personal praise? Is it for personal prestige? Or are we doing what we are doing because we feel in our heart this is God's will for our life? What ever the reason, God knows the truth.
Even during Christ day and time, there were those who would do the "Right" thing for the "Wrong" reason. The Pharisees liked the recognition, so they would make sure that their garments stood out so that all would know they are worthy of "Respect". If they were invited to a meal, they made sure they sat where all could see. If they gave a prayer, or placed an offering in the box, it was so that all would give them the glory. They wanted everyone to be sure and call them Rabbi. Jesus said "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7:20) Their fruit showed who they really were.
Times have not changed. Men and women today want to be noticed for what they do. They will even place upon you commandments that they themselves do not even follow. They will bend the rules to fit their circumstance. While they will condemn you for not doing womething, they themselves are guilty of the very same thing. This is a foul odour in the nostrils of God! A couple verses later in Matthew chapter 7 Jesus said "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:22-23)
Only God knows the motives of our heart. We must go to God and ask Him to search our heart and show us what our real motives are. Make sure what you do is for the right reason, then we all will hear Him say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant".
