Living for an Audience of One – Sincere Faith in Giving, Praying, and Fasting (Matthew 6:1-18)
Have you ever done something good just to be noticed? Maybe helped someone, gave a gift, or said a kind word—hoping someone would see and be impressed?
In Matthew 6:1–18, Jesus talks about this very thing. He reminds us that real faith isn’t about showing off. It’s about connecting with God from the heart. Whether we’re giving, praying, or fasting, Jesus invites us to live for an audience of One—God Himself.
Let’s take a closer look at what He said.
Give Quietly and Humbly
Jesus starts by warning us not to give to others just to get attention. Some people in His day made a big show of their generosity. They wanted to be praised for how kind and spiritual they looked.
But Jesus says, don’t be like that. Instead, give in secret. Help others quietly. Don’t worry about applause or recognition—God sees everything, even what’s done in private. And His reward is better than any praise people can give.
Pray with a Real Heart
Next, Jesus talks about prayer. He says not to pray in public just to be noticed, or to use long, fancy words to sound important. God isn’t impressed by how loud or “spiritual” we sound.
Instead, Jesus says to find a quiet place and talk to God honestly. He knows what we need before we even ask—but He still wants to hear from us, like a loving parent who cares about their child.
Then Jesus gives us a simple prayer to guide us. You might know it as the Lord’s Prayer. It helps us:
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Remember who God is and honor Him.
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Ask for His will to be done.
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Trust Him for what we need each day.
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Ask for forgiveness—and forgive others too.
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Ask for help to stay strong and avoid temptation.
This prayer isn’t just something to recite—it’s a model for how to talk to God with trust, honesty, and humility.
Fast Without a Show
Fasting is when we give something up—usually food—for a time, to focus more on God. But even this can become a way to show off. Some people in Jesus’ time made themselves look miserable so everyone would know they were fasting.
Jesus says, don’t do that. Keep yourself looking normal. Fasting is a private thing between you and God. It’s not about looking super-religious. It’s about growing closer to Him with a humble heart.
What’s the Point?
In all these things—giving, praying, and fasting—Jesus is asking a simple question:
Who are you doing this for?
Is it for God? Or is it for the approval of others?
When we live to impress people, the reward stops there. But when we live to honor God, even in quiet, unseen ways, He sees it—and He rewards it in His perfect way and timing.
Final Thoughts
Jesus isn’t asking us to hide our faith. He’s asking us to live it sincerely. Real faith doesn’t need a spotlight. It grows strongest in the quiet moments when no one else is watching—except God.
So today, take a moment to ask yourself:
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Am I giving, praying, or fasting to be seen—or to know God better?
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What small act of kindness or prayer can I do today, just between me and God?
Remember, we don’t need the world’s approval. We already have something better—the love and attention of our Heavenly Father.
Let’s live for Him.
Matthew 6:1-18 (WEB)
6:1 “Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does, 4 so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.5 “When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 In praying, don’t use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. 8 Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him. 9 Pray like this:“ ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.10 Let your Kingdom come.Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.11 Give us today our daily bread.12 Forgive us our debts,as we also forgive our debtors.13 Bring us not into temptation,but deliver us from the evil one.For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.16 “Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.