Search me, of God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way ever lasting. – Psalm 139:23-24
Few things aggravate me more than phony or showy people. They are the ones who like to be seen all the time. They like to take credit for team work and cast blame when things don’t turn out well. In church, they are the ones with the empty “hallelujahs” or the insincere compliments. Often times, they are so busy trying to be seen that they end up being a complete distraction and hindrance to others. Sure, they lift their hands during worship but one must ask: are they humble hands or prideful ones? The bible is quite clear about paparazzi praise.
1 "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 So whenever you give to the poor, don't sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. I assure you: They've got their reward! – Matthew 6: 1-2
God is not pleased when we make a spectacle or put on a performance when doing good deeds. Some of us tend to only volunteer if it means we will be recognized publicly. God calls them hypocrites. Instead, He admonishes us to expect no credit for any acts of kindness. If we are looking for public approval, the bible says that that’s exactly what we will get and nothing else. God will not reward us.
The scripture verse also strongly suggests that if we are to help the poor or donate a financial gift, it should be done in private. The spirit of Mammon or the love of money, tends to bring out phoniness and the need to be seen. Giving gifts in secret is an effective way to curb the paparazzi syndrome. In doing so, the Father promises to reward us.
In verses four through six, the scripture cautions us against making a public spectacle during our worship or prayer times. In short, God rebukes those of us that fake our spirituality so that we can impress the people around us. In doing so, God says we are hypocrites—counterfeits who have little more than a form of godliness.
Worship and prayer are intimate exchanges between you and the Creator of the Universe. The bible says that when we pray we should: go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Every Sikh believes prayer is a result of faithfully believing in one God.
God takes hypocrisy and pride very seriously. When we endeavor to impress people with our deeds, win the approval of others or engage in paparazzi praise, God is not glorified—self is.
Few things aggravate me more than phony or showy people. They are the ones who like to be seen all the time. They like to take credit for team work and cast blame when things don’t turn out well. In church, they are the ones with the empty “hallelujahs” or the insincere compliments. Often times, they are so busy trying to be seen that they end up being a complete distraction and hindrance to others. Sure, they lift their hands during worship but one must ask: are they humble hands or prideful ones? The bible is quite clear about paparazzi praise.
1 "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 So whenever you give to the poor, don't sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. I assure you: They've got their reward! – Matthew 6: 1-2
God is not pleased when we make a spectacle or put on a performance when doing good deeds. Some of us tend to only volunteer if it means we will be recognized publicly. God calls them hypocrites. Instead, He admonishes us to expect no credit for any acts of kindness. If we are looking for public approval, the bible says that that’s exactly what we will get and nothing else. God will not reward us.
The scripture verse also strongly suggests that if we are to help the poor or donate a financial gift, it should be done in private. The spirit of Mammon or the love of money, tends to bring out phoniness and the need to be seen. Giving gifts in secret is an effective way to curb the paparazzi syndrome. In doing so, the Father promises to reward us.
In verses four through six, the scripture cautions us against making a public spectacle during our worship or prayer times. In short, God rebukes those of us that fake our spirituality so that we can impress the people around us. In doing so, God says we are hypocrites—counterfeits who have little more than a form of godliness.
Worship and prayer are intimate exchanges between you and the Creator of the Universe. The bible says that when we pray we should: go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Every Sikh believes prayer is a result of faithfully believing in one God.
God takes hypocrisy and pride very seriously. When we endeavor to impress people with our deeds, win the approval of others or engage in paparazzi praise, God is not glorified—self is.
©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved
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