Free to Be "No Big Deal"
How the gospel saves us from self-promotion.
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).
We all have a deep desire to be noticed, affirmed, and applauded. We want to matter, to be seen doing good things. And it’s all too tempting to satisfy that longing by seeking applause and affirmation from people around us.
Jesus sees that tendency in us. That’s why he says, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them…” (Matthew 6:1). Not because recognition is evil, but because it’s addictive. And the pursuit of it is vanity—emptiness. It can never fill us.
But then Jesus says something better:
“…your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4)
Do you hear the freedom in that? You don’t have to live on the edge of burnout trying to be impressive. You don’t have to manufacture moments of virtue hoping someone’s watching. The gospel frees us from the sugar rush of human approval by ushering us into a new relationship with the Father who already sees and delights in us through Christ. That means we’re finally free to be… no big deal.
So go ahead—live quietly, love deeply, serve freely. Your Father sees. And that’s more than enough!
ON THE HORIZON
Family Worship - This Sunday (March 30th), children four and older are invited to worship with the rest of the family of God in our corporate Family Worship services at 9 AM and 10:45! Classes for three and younger remain open in iKids.
The Bible’s Big Story - Join us next week for The Bible’s Big Story Seminar with David McLemore, starting Sunday, March 30th, at 10:45 AM in Sadler Hall! This interactive, community-driven seminar will help you read and apply the Bible by seeing how the entire storyline points to Jesus, his grace, and his gospel. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in your understanding of Scripture together!"
Good news! Thank you Tony 🙏🏼