“But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” Matthew 6:3-4
Much of the Christian life is lived such that no one else sees. Our prayers are prayed quietly in our prayer closet. Acts of kindness are done anonymously. Private battles against sin are hidden from view. In a world that rewards visibility and recognition, Jesus calls us to something deeper—faithfulness without applause.
As Jesus elaborates in the Sermon On the Mount, our Father is not impressed by what is public if done insincerely. Rather, He is deeply attentive to what is done in secret with sincerity. The unseen life is where true character is formed. It is where trust in God is proven, not by words, but by quiet obedience. Even when no one else notices, our Father does.
A practical exercise of what matters most involves doing one act of kindness today that no one else knows about, and spending time with God not to check a box, but to deepen relationship.
Father, help me to value what You see more than what others see. Teach me to be faithful in the hidden places, trusting that You are always at work, even when no one else notices. Through Jesus, Amen.
©Steve Taylor, 2026 --Used by permission
Be sure to also see Amazon ebook & print devotional and podcast: New Day Dawning.