Matthew 6:6
Amplified:
6: But when you pray, go into your most private room, close the door and pray to your Father who is in secret and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you.
Revised Standard Version (RSV-CI):
6: But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Amplified, Classic Edition:
6: But when you pray, go into your [most] private room and closing the door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you in the open.
GOD'S WORD Translation:
6: When you pray, go to your room and close the door. Pray privately to your Father who is with you. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you.
Its no secret that we humans love to keep secrets as much as we love to expose a secret. However, most times when a secret gets exposed its when friendship, love relationships and family unity is broken for whatsoever reason it may be. Some persons find it difficult to keep a secret when things are broken or when its no longer convenient to their benefit. While some secrets are pleasureable to keep, other secrets can land you in hot water if exposed and can also tread down to a path of pain and hurt especially for the ones involved. But it does not negate the fact that its a privilege to keep a secret for the ones we love.
In God's word we can see its an honor to keep a secret when it comes to some activities within the Faith. Apparently, it is not necessary to publicize some acts of our intimacy with His presence. An unfortunate matter is that some persons are not comfortable unless they make it known to everyone how profound their relationship is with God. Maybe they figure that it'll get them recognition as someone who has a deep and inspiring relationship with Him and if they are seen as such then heights of respect would be achieved. However, this is not a good reason to show forth praises and worship to God if our sole priority is to gain the approval of men. Jesus testified in John 5:41 that He does not recieve glory or approval from men for His works, He only wanted it from His Father. And as we look further in the scripture His reason for that decision is found in Verse 42: "But I know you and recognise that you do not have the love of God in yourselves." Also in 43: "I have come in my Father's name and in His power and you do no receive me [because your minds are closed]; but if another comes in his own name and in no authority or power except his own, you will receive him and give your approval to an imposter." (Amplified)
We can now identify the answer to a question that we have been searching. Why seek the approval of others if they will reject you and your work, especially when you understand, that they would rather accept the proposal of another and praise them for whatever they do even if their actions are not as significant or excellent as yours? Much of this is pointless and a waste of efforts leading to continuous heartbreak for many. That is why Jesus' interest was on the things that mattered most and not on what will quickly fade away. We can learn from this strategic move which Jesus applied during His tenure on earth. Seeking mans (male and female) approval would have limited His capacity to function as He would have only performed things that they liked and wanted instead of fulfilling the purpose which He was sent to do. Therefore, we can conclude that it is a dangerous thing to seek the approval of others more than the way we look to God, as it can divert us completely away from our destiny. Rather, let us pursue the mind of Christ and the Father's will for our journey in this life on earth. No one has to know the fine print details of our communication with Him. It is not necessary to broadcast all our prayer sessions with Him too, for all that we do in the sight of God in those private moments of talking to Him is enough for His reward. He knows when and how to reward our work and our times of sacrifice that we gift unto Him will not go unnoticed as He is the God who sees, knows and recognises the ways of men. So powerful, mighty and glorious is He, our God who reigns forever!
It is also noted that we can disqualify ourselves from being true believers as stated in St. John 5:44 - "How can you believe [in me] when you [seek and] receive glory and approval from one another and yet you do not seek the glory and approval which comes from the one and only God?" The present conditions in our world today are designed and set up to deceive many into the belief that they really need approval from people first or much more than God's approval in order for them to make it to their dreams or goals in life. But this verse gives further insight into the matter and helps us to understand how important it is to avoid that trend. Such clarity from the word of God emphasizes that we should rather follow through with Jesus' lifestyle and the examples that He left for us. In this pattern we can truly be rewarded as true believers and heirs to the Kingdom that He has prepared for His people.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you all in Jesus name!💓
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