READ:
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.
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:1-6).
REFLECT:
Today is the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection and repentance. It’s a good day to examine yourself, your actions, and your motives. Even the religious ones.
REACT:
What you do for recognition, you do for yourself. Do something good for someone else today — give a secret gift, share a little treat, leave an encouraging note for a co-worker, bless somebody. Do it in secret, so only God will see. Do it as an offering to God alone. “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Let that be enough.