My Daily Journal:
Our instruction in the scriptures today reminded me of the Goofus and Gallant cartoons we would read in Highlight Magazine. The cartoons always featured two young boys with a choice to make and Goofus always made the wrong choice. The simple message was, don’t be a Goofus.
In this passage, Jesus is speaking to us in the same way. “You see the Hypocrites (Goofus)? Don’t do that!”
But the message goes one step further because there is also a “because” in the message. There is a reward. Let’s face it, we are all motivated by rewards. They can be sticks or carrots, i.e., avoidance of negative consequences or desire for receiving positive rewards. They can be extrinsic or intrinsic, but it is a simple part of being human. God doesn’t deny that for us, instead He provides it. Jesus doesn’t say not to be a Goofus just because He says so. But instead because we are going to miss out on the bigger reward.
There was a game show (I’m not remembering the name so someone might have to help me) where the contestants were allowed to pick between what was behind Door #1 and Door #2. Door #1 is the things we can see in this world. If we choose the rewards behind Door #1, we forfeit what is behind Door #2. You don’t get both. But here is the deal. With God as the host, Door #2, the unseen rewards in heaven, is always better. Always!
My Answers:
3.
a.
“When you”, “your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you”
“do not… like hypocrites”
b.
they have received their reward in full – reminds me of Goofus and Gallant in Highlights
4.
a.
serve, give, help, but do so humbly and to the honor of God
b.
trust, patience, honor
5.
a.
better than thou attitude. Christian righteousness. Using religious symbols to further work (fish/cross)
b.
heavenly rewards. Good gifts of honor and recognition
c.
by accepting worldly recognition, they do so at the forfeiture of heavenly recognition. Door #1
d.
Do things for God’s glory and trust God to honor what honors Him. Focus on Righteousness
The Notes are Good 