May 7: Insight Post by Rusty Coram

  -   May 7, 2025

God Sees What is Done in Secret: Jesus reminds us that God sees everything we do, including our acts of kindness done in secret. We don’t need human validation for our good deeds because God, who sees what is done in private, will reward us.

Wednesday Verse

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT)

Wednesday Questions

Do I trust that God sees my acts of kindness and generosity, even when no one else does? How can I focus more on God’s approval than on human praise?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram

The passage we are focusing on this week is just four verses, and it is a lead-in to the model prayer Jesus gave us, often referred to as The Lord’s Prayer. What is fascinating about all of this is the simplicity and honesty. Giving, serving, and praying are good things for sure, but the issue becomes the “why” that motivates them. Am I looking to be recognized and praised by others as a person of incredible generosity and compassion? Do I hope to win favorable treatment for my gift? Will I use my gift as leverage later to promote my personal agenda?

In the context of our passage, Jesus wants us to be clear about our motives and not play any games with God, others, or ourselves. “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.” Matthew 6:1 (NLT) We live in a world where mixed motives have become the expected norm. Someone does something “nice,” and immediately the question of their motive surfaces. Many of us have had a kindness done for us and then had it thrown back in our face when we didn’t reciprocate. This is some of the brokenness of our human nature. When Jesus enters our lives, we have a new standard to follow. We learn to be kind and generous to others to show His love to them and our love for Him. Adopting this mindset can help us avoid the “giving to get” trap.

In a world where appearances can be deceiving, God wants His followers to be people of humble integrity. Jesus made this clear when He scolded the hypocritical religious critics who hounded Him. “…He said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15 (NLT)

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org