Matthew 6:1–2, 5, 16, 19, 24 (NIV) “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do… to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites… to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do… to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy…“No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.” Read it here

Every other religion in the world is built on performance — rituals done in public to impress gods or people. But Jesus says the one true God isn’t impressed with religious performance; He’s moved by quiet obedience.

He warns us not to “practice righteousness” to be seen by others. That’s a hard word for men like us who want to be respected, known, and admired for doing what’s right. But God isn’t fooled by our spiritual posturing. He sees our hearts — and He knows when we’re giving, praying, fasting, or working for applause instead of worship.

Jesus hits four areas where men often get it wrong:

• Giving — We brag about our generosity instead of quietly meeting needs.

• Praying — We use long words in public but stay silent in private.

• Fasting — We talk more about our sacrifice than about our Savior.

• Money — We treat God’s blessing as proof of His approval instead of as a tool for His glory.

Jesus modeled something better.
He gave His life, not His leftovers.
He prayed alone, not for applause.
He owned nothing yet gave everything.
He served others and sought only His Father’s glory.

That’s the model of manhood we’re called to follow. Our reward isn’t here — it’s there. The applause of men fades fast, but the reward of God lasts forever.

Run Today’s Play: Live for the unseen scoreboard. Do your work in secret. Give without credit. Pray without recognition. Fast without complaint. Lead your home and serve your church for God’s glory alone.

You can’t serve two masters — so stop trying to win the approval of both. Choose God, every day, in every play.

When you make Him your audience of one, you’ll live with freedom, courage, and eternal reward.