A Quality Christian

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Jesus talks of hypocrisy right from His message from the mount in Mathew Ch. 5. Hypocrisy shows up in every realm of life. The hardest part to spot one is not in others, but in oneself. One way to find the percentage of adulteration of hypocrisy in our lives is to study and examine it based on spiritual principles and instructions given by Jesus in Mathew 5,6 and 7.

In Matthew Ch.6, Jesus is telling of three areas where we are tempted to do things that are many times for self-glory rather than His. Jesus gives a warning (Mathew 6:1), before he tells of giving, prayer and fasting. The word “take heed” means the motives behind what is done. We may outwardly do well towards others and even be a help to others but the thing that drives us may be wicked and sinful. God has higher standards for us, who are the citizen of heaven.
Jesus gives a warning about charitable deeds that are done for self-praise; to impress others and ourselves, and think that we are adding merit to our deeds. The greatest hindrance in right motives is the desire to please ourselves rather than the Lord. Selfishness can lead to do great exploits in the name of Christ when we really do so for ourselves. It can show up by going to the mission field and receiving the accolades of men for such sacrifice, when the real reason is to make a name for one's self. It may be being busy in the things of God, to have a good name in church. It might be giving great amounts of money, to get noticed in public.

We must strive not to get the praise of men, rather grow in maturity in likeness of our Master Jesus Christ. If we are looking for applause from men, we will receive nothing from the Lord.
Let us remove all acts of self-glory and give God the glory due to His name.

Dear Lord, Please forgive our desire to get recognition and appreciation from men. Amen
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Discipleship Training -Courtesy: http://wallbuilders4christ.wordpress.com