The Sermon on the Mount contains two statements that appear contradictory to a casual eye. In Matthew 5.16 Jesus says, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” But in 6.1 he says, “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

 

These statements appear contradictory because of similar concepts and vocabulary. For example, “Good deeds” and “acts of righteousness” (literally, “righteousness”) describe basically the same behaviors. In both statements, the primary issue is what is seen, and by whom. And notice the repetition of phrases in both statements: “before men” and “your Father in heaven.”

 

But the contradiction is only apparent. In Matthew 5.16, Jesus commands his disciples to practice good deeds visibly so that, seeing them, others may worship God. In 6.11, however, he commands his disciples to practice their acts of righteousness secretly lest, seeing them, others worship the actor. Truly good works direct attention to God. False acts of righteousness draw attention to us.

 

There are two dangers in drawing attention to our own acts of righteousness. First, we become addicted to human adulation. We like a constant stream of “Attaboys!” and friendly pats on the back, after all, but such praise may condition us to focus on our emotional state rather than our spiritual and moral authenticity. We become tempted to do what is right because it makes us feel good, not because it is the good thing to do. We do good “to be seen by them” rather than to be rewarded by God.

 

Second, we become idols. Others begin to say, “What a good person George P. Wood is,” rather than, “What a good God George P. Wood serves.” Our righteousness becomes a substitute for God’s. Unfortunately, our righteousness is unstable and imperfect. Our sins inevitably topple us from the pedestal others have placed us on. When that happens, what remains of their faith? Our failures block their view of God, like the moon on occasion eclipses the sun.

 

Christians are commanded to shine light, however, not cast shadows. We do that in several ways. First, we do good deeds. Many Christians have a deformed theology of salvation at this point. To use theological jargon, they are so concerned with justification that they forget sanctification. According to Ephesians 2.8–10, however, salvation is by grace through faith for works.

 

Second, we do good deeds for the right reasons. Personally, we practice good deeds because it is the right thing to do. Such behavior is the kind of action God rewards. But interpersonally, we practice good deeds because they draw others to Christ. It seems to me that the world needs less “talk” and more “walk” from us Christians. If we have not ourselves changed in response to the gospel, how can we reasonably expect others to do so?