The Gospel Isn't for Clout

Scripture (Matthew 6:1-4, NKJV):

"Take heed that you do not do you charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in Heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly."

Devotional:

We live in a world where everyone wants to be seen doing something for Jesus. Posting verses, selfies, or screenshots of how "blessed" they are - but sometimes it's not ministry, it's marketing. Marketing the "stuff" we have in life that we think makes us important or "Keeping up with Jones'," if you will. When we turn worship into a performance, the message loses its power.

Jesus didn't flex His generosity or broadcast His blessings; He lived them. He didn't post receipts of what He gave - He became the offering. When you're truly walking with Him, you don't have to prove it - the peace in your spirit and the fruit in your life will speak for you.

If your faith depends on the number of eyes watching, then maybe it's not faith - it's validation. And if your giving needs an announcement, it's not generosity - it's ego dressed in scripture. Real love doesn't boast; real believers don't need applause. They live for others because that's what Jesus put us here for... to serve others - not ourselves, but I think we tend to forget this.

The moment you crave attention for doing good, you've already stolen the credit from the One who deserves it. Truth is, when you're walking with Jesus, your life will preach louder than your posts. The real evidence isn't in your captions - it's in your fruit.

• Are you more patient than last year?

• Kinder when no one's watching?

• Do you forgive quicker, serve humbler, or love deeper?

That's what Heaven's watching. Because fruit doesn't need followers - it just needs faithfulness.

Questions to consider:

1. Am I living for applause or for anointing?

2. What kind of fruit is my life producing when no one's around to see it?

3. Do I give, serve, post for image - or for redemption?

Prayer:

Jesus, humble my heart before Your throne. Teach me to serve quietly, love deeply, and give without boasting. When I speak Your name, let it be to lift You up - not myself. Remind me that true love doesn't brag, and true obedience doesn't need an audience. Amen.