Starve the Stage: What's our Motivation

Matthew 6:1–15

We live in a world that’s hooked on approval. From social media likes to public praise, there’s this endless push to be seen and celebrated. Yet, in Matthew 6:1–15, Jesus flips our approach for doing good. Instead of performing for applause, He invites us to go deeper—to do what’s right for the sake of loving God, not for the approval of others. Let’s look at how Jesus addresses this in our giving, praying, and even the way we forgive.

1) The Problem with Public Applause (Matthew 6:1–4)

Jesus starts with a warning: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them...”

He’s not saying to hide all our good deeds. He’s challenging our motives—are we doing this to impress a crowd, or to draw close to God?

Giving in Secret

• Jesus mentions people who make a big show of helping the poor. He calls them “hypocrites” (actors), because they’re performing for a human audience rather than from a genuine desire to bless. Instead of genuinely caring for those in need, they paraded their generosity—neglecting true compassion for those who suffer.

• He paints the picture of not letting your left hand know what your right hand is doing—an exaggerated way of saying: Give quietly, even anonymously, so that your reward comes from God, not from human applause. It's a way to check your motivations.

• Theres nothing wrong with other people seeing us commit a righteous act, as long as being seen is not the motivation behind the action.

Question: When you help someone or donate to a cause, do you find yourself longing for people’s acknowledgment, or do you genuinely prefer to keep it under the radar?

Sticky Phrase: “If applause is your fuel, you’ll run on empty once it fades.”

2) Real Prayer vs. Performance Prayer (Matthew 6:5–8)

Next, Jesus focuses on prayer. The issue? Some individuals pray loudly in public, craving admiration. The problem isn’t public prayer itself; it’s the heart behind it—seeking attention rather than genuine conversation with God.

Finding the Quiet Place

• Jesus suggests going into a private room, shutting the door, and praying to the Father who sees in secret. That secret place is where we drop the act and get real with God.

• He also warns against “babbling like pagans,” piling up empty phrases. God doesn’t need fancy words or lengthy speeches—He’s looking for honest hearts.

• We need to be clear about the meaning behind the words we speak; otherwise, what real value do our words hold? As Christians, it’s easy to fall into “Christianese”—familiar phrases we say without really thinking about them. “Lord, bless them” or “Put a hedge of protection around us” rolls off the tongue, but have we stopped to consider what we’re actually asking for? Speak to God with purpose and understanding, so each word carries genuine weight.

Question: When was the last time you truly paused to think about the words you speak in prayer—are you praying from genuine conviction, or simply repeating phrases without understanding their deeper meaning?

3) The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–15)

Jesus then offers a model for how we should pray. It’s not a script to recite mindlessly but a pattern showing us key ingredients of true prayer:

1. Acknowledging God as Father: This reminds us of His intimacy and care. We also know who to address our prayers to.

2. Honoring His Name: We respect and honor who He is—holy, loving, and worthy of our devotion.

3. Asking for His Kingdom: We long for His values—love, justice, mercy—to shape our minds that play out into our world.

4. Requesting Daily Bread: We depend on Him for our basic needs, trusting in His provision.

5. Forgiving Others: We can’t fully recieve God’s forgiveness if our hearts remain hardened toward people who’ve hurt us.

6. Deliverance from Temptation: We acknowledge our weakness and ask for divine help and protection.

   
   

Forgiveness Is Essential

• Jesus circles back to the issue of forgiveness, underscoring that we can’t fully embrace God’s mercy if we refuse to extend it to others.

• Holding onto grudges is like shutting a door on God’s grace—He wants us to walk in freedom, and that includes forgiving from the heart.

• This passage doesn’t say our eternal destiny hinges on whether we forgive others—our right standing before God rests solely on what Christ accomplished on the cross. However, it does warn that our closeness with Him will suffer if we choose not to forgive those who’ve wronged us.

Question: Consider someone who’s hurt or disappointed you. Have you really asked God for help to fully forgive them? When you do, be ready to take that next step—actively showing forgiveness—because that’s exactly where God’s help will meet you.

Takeaway

1. Check Your Motivation

   Whether it’s giving, praying, or forgiving, ask yourself: “Am I doing this for God or for other people’s applause?”

2. Embrace the Secret Place

   Try spending time alone with God this week—no social media posts, no public announcements. Just you and Him.

3. Pray the Lord’s Prayer with Meaning

   Slowly walk through each phrase, letting it shape your perspective on God, His kingdom, and your daily needs.

   
   

We don’t need to perform for a human audience if our greatest desire is to please God. In the quiet place, He meets us—and that’s where real growth and relationship happens.

Thank you for reading, and remember: Jesus doesn’t want us exhausted by chasing applause. He’s calling us to a more authentic life—where our giving, praying, and forgiving come from a genuine heart of love, not the roar of a crowd. When we “starve the stage,” we feed the soul, finding the reward that truly lasts.

I Want To Follow Jesus