Worship Team DevosSýnishorn

Scripture

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1

Summary

There is something strange that happens when we are regularly on stage. We can start acting. We can start to project a false self. A "holier" self. When who we are onstage does not match who we are behind the scenes, we are in danger. The Pharisees in Jesus' day did this very thing. "Inside the cup was full of evil and self-indulgence..." but they made sure that what people saw...the outside... was squeaky clean. Jesus called them "hypocrites" or actors. They were faking it. And He could see right through them. We don't want to be fakes. Jesus already knows what's inside of us. We want our lives off-stage to match who we are on stage. This means we must strive towards holiness in the secret places...when no one is watching. When we do it just for our Father in Heaven, He knows it's real. And He'll reward us.

Discussion Questions

1. Do you feel the pressure to 'perform' when you're on stage? To pray a certain way?

2. Does it bring you comfort or anxiety knowing that God knows us completely? Why?

3. Why do you think we care so much about what other people think of us? Explain.

4. Any other thoughts, comments, ideas or questions you'd like to share?

Closing Prayer

Lord God, help us to be authentic, through and through. Help us to be holy on and off stage. Help us to please you in the secret places when no one is watching and when no one will ever find out. Lord, you know all. Help us to live with a holy fear of you. Help us to please you. This is our aim, and we ask for your help. In Jesus' name. Amen.