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Read: Matthew 6:1-18
Listen: Matthew 6

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. Matthew 6:3-4

The people crowding around Jesus are concerned about what their community thinks of them. Righteous living brought real rewards and honor. Being seen as generous or devout could open doors to better marriages, business partnerships and positions of influence. But Jesus says an even greater reward awaits. Living for the Father, not for the people around them, brings eternal rewards. Rewards are not just about life after death, but a quality of life with God and others that starts here and now.

The same reward awaits us. We can easily get caught in a cycle of doing the right things for the sake of people’s approval. We can chase temporary rewards of applause, achievement or recognition in our careers, social circles or even church involvement. The true reward is a relationship with God himself. Through faith in Jesus’s life, death and resurrection, we can have a restored friendship with the Father. He desires to give us a full and rich life in all we do. That rewarding life starts now. It doesn’t mean all our problems go away. However, we can experience his strength, peace, power and presence in every circumstance.

TODAY: Reflect on the rewards you chase. In your journal or mobile device, write down one to two things you are chasing. Then, listen to Ada Bible Worship sing “Be Thou My Vision.” As they sing, ask God to deepen your relationship with him and to help you see Jesus as your greatest reward.