Matthew 6:16-18

Matthew 6:16-18
English Standard Version (ESV)

  We spend a lot of time and energy clamoring for status.  We want to make sure we're noticed -- sometimes that is flaunting our wealth, other times it's doing whatever we can to make sure people realize we have a certain talent or that we're pursuing a certain hobby.  We want people to know the best things about us, because it gives us status.
  Jesus is telling us that our relationship with God isn't something to give us worldly status -- the rewards we get for selflessly following God aren't always realized in this world.  When we elevate our devotion so that others realize how devout we are, we're just utilizing religion to gain standing in the world.  When we are growing as disciples, we realize that it's not our standing in the world that matters, but rather the measure of our faithfulness.  Our lives exist to elevate Christ, and to the extent that we are able to make Christ known, then our lives are serving the Kingdom.  But if we're focused on making ourselves known, then we're just building a kingdom out of sand.  This will not stand, and if our religious life serves to make others think we are great people, then we're missing the point.  Our lives should have integrity and point to something greater than ourselves, something eternal, so that others desire Christ, not us!  We point beyond ourselves, trusting in the eternal love and wisdom of God to care for us, worrying not for our own fate but rather the fate of our brothers and sisters who have not yet heard the amazing news of the Gospel.