21/02/2026
METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA DAILY REFLECTION
DATE: SATURDAY, 21ST FEBRUARY, 2026
THEME: DO NOT BE A HYPOCRITE
PASSAGE: MATTHEW 6:1–6
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
THE MESSAGE:
In Matthew 6:1–6, Jesus addresses the issue of hypocrisy, particularly in the context of giving, prayer, and fasting. He warns against performing religious acts for the purpose of gaining praise from others. Instead, He emphasizes that these acts should be done in secret, between the individual and God. When we practise our faith with a genuine heart, without seeking public recognition, God sees, hears and rewards us. There is no heavenly reward for any outward display of religiosity because it is vanity.
Jesus points out that when we seek the approval of others, we are living for the wrong audience. True righteousness is not about appearing pious in front of people, but about aligning our hearts with God's will. He desires sincerity, humility, and devotion, not outward displays of religiosity that are only meant to impress others.
A local preacher always boasted that “people know me to be a preacher in our area. They applaud me everywhere I preach. “Does God know you? Can God say that He knows you? Let us always steer clear of vain glory because it takes us nowhere. Do not be like the hypocrites who seek the praise of men, glory in titles and do not practice what they preach.
This teaching invites us to examine our motives when we engage in acts of worship, service, and charity. Are we doing it for the glory of God, or to receive admiration from others? In a world that often values external appearances, Jesus calls us to a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, where our actions flow from a sincere love for Him and a desire to honour Him alone.
MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 6:3 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
HYMN: MHB 377 (S.M) HOW can a sinner know
1 How can a sinner know
His sins on earth forgiven?
How can my gracious Saviour show
My name inscribed in heaven?
2 What we have felt and seen
With confidence we tell,
And publish to the sons of men
The signs infallible.
3 We who in Christ believe
That He for us hath died,
We all His unknown peace receive,
And feel His blood applied.
4 Exults our rising soul,
Disburdened of her load,
And swells unutterably full
Of glory and of God.
5 His love, surpassing far
The love of all beneath,
We find within our hearts, and dare
The pointless darts of death.
6 Stronger than death and hell
The mystic power we prove;
And conquerors of the world, we dwell
In heaven, who dwell in love.
7 His Spirit to us He gave,
And dwells in us we know;
The witness in ourselves we have,
And all its fruits we show.
8 Whate’er our pardoning Lord
Commands, we gladly do;
And guided by His sacred word,
We all His steps pursue.
Charles Wesley, 1707—88.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to live and seek Your approval above people's praise. Guard my heart from the desire to impress others, and let my actions reflect my love for You, in Jesus name. Amen.
THE BIBLE READING PLAN FOR THE DAY: Leviticus 24; NIGHT: Leviticus 25
