December 17

For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. — Matt 6:5

They do not pray to God at all, and their aim is not to receive blessings in answer, but to have men think that they are devout. They have their reward – that is, they get what they pray for: men see them.

We need to guard against an expression of our religion for men’s eyes, and not for God’s. It were better if we gave our gifts without any thought of praise or commendation, simply for the sake of Christ, and for the helping of others.

We should train ourselves to do our good deeds without seeking praise. Florence Nightingale, having gone like an angel of mercy among the hospitals in Crimea, until her name was enshrined deep in every soldier’s heart, asked to be excused from having her picture taken, as thousands begged her to do, that she might drop out and be forgotten, and that Christ alone might be remembered as the Author of the blessings which her hand had distributed in His name.