Be Careful, Stop Giving Too Much for the World to See
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages about success, fame, and recognition, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of outward validation. Social media, professional life, even church settings have become stages where we are expected to showcase the best parts of our lives, our achievements, and sometimes, our very identity. But as believers in Christ, we are called to a higher standard, one that does not depend on the praise of men but on the approval of God.
We live in an era of hypervisibility, where everything about us can be seen by the world. While it’s not inherently wrong to share our lives or achievements, there’s a fine line between being open and vulnerable and seeking validation through external accolades. The pursuit of worldly recognition has led many believers astray, placing them on a path that distances them from true intimacy with God. This article will explore why the Bible cautions us against giving too much for the world to see, and how we can refocus our lives on what truly matters—the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The Dangers of Giving Too Much for the World to See
In Matthew 6:1, Jesus clearly warns: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.” When our primary motivation is to be seen and praised by others, we lose sight of the true purpose of our actions. The essence of our faith is not to perform for others, but to glorify God, to live out our calling in a way that reflects His love and holiness.
Jesus goes on to say in the next verse, “If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:2). This powerful truth reveals that seeking outward praise has no eternal value. The applause of men is fleeting, but the reward of God is eternal. When we focus on gaining the approval of people, we forfeit the deeper, more lasting rewards that come from living for God alone.
The pursuit of external validation can lead to spiritual dryness, as we give too much of ourselves to what others think of us, leaving little room for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.
Why We Should Beware of External Validation
- A False Sense of Identity
The world constantly feeds us messages about what we should look like, what we should achieve, and how we should present ourselves. In this environment, it’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are. The Bible tells us that our identity is found in Christ (Ephesians 2:10). When we allow ourselves to be defined by the opinions of others, we build a house of cards that can easily fall apart. People’s opinions are ever-changing, but God’s love for us is constant and unwavering.
When we seek external validation, we build a false identity based on shifting standards, which ultimately leaves us empty. True identity is rooted in our relationship with God and the security of knowing we are His beloved children. When we are grounded in this truth, we can live confidently, knowing that we are already accepted by the One who matters most.
- Spiritual Dryness and Disconnection
The pursuit of worldly recognition takes a toll on our spiritual lives. Constantly striving to be seen, admired, or applauded by others leads to burnout. Our energy and focus are redirected from the eternal to the temporary. This shift in focus results in spiritual dryness. We lose the sense of God’s presence because we are too distracted by what the world thinks of us.
When we become disconnected from God, our relationship with Him suffers. The Holy Spirit desires to dwell within us, but we cannot hear His voice if we are too busy listening to the clamor of external validation. True fulfillment comes from walking in step with the Spirit, not from impressing others.
- Distraction from God’s Will
The pursuit of fame and accolades often distracts us from God’s true calling on our lives. It’s easy to become so consumed with proving ourselves to others that we forget to seek God’s purpose for our lives. In Luke 10:42, Jesus tells Martha, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus, to be present with Him, while Martha was distracted by the need to serve and impress. We must be careful not to let the distractions of the world keep us from the better part—intimacy with God.
True Fulfillment Lies in God’s Presence
So, what is the solution? How do we live a life that is not defined by the world’s standards, but by God’s will? The answer lies in a deeper encounter with the Holy Spirit.
True fulfillment comes from being in God’s presence. Psalm 16:11 says, “In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” It is not about what others see but about cultivating a relationship with God that is genuine and heartfelt. The more we seek God’s presence, the more we find purpose, peace, and joy. We are called to be a people who hunger for the presence of the Holy Spirit. When we prioritize this, everything else falls into place.
In John 14:26, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, our Teacher, and our Comforter. He reveals God’s truth to us, empowers us for service, and convicts us of areas where we need to grow. When we allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in our lives, we find a joy that surpasses any worldly achievement.
What Should We Do Instead?
Instead of seeking the approval of men, we must:
- Live with Integrity
Integrity is the foundation of Christian living. Jesus calls us to live authentically, not to perform for others but to live as His disciples. Our actions should reflect the love of Christ, not to be seen by men but as an act of worship to God. Integrity means being the same person in private as we are in public, living according to God’s Word at all times.
- Focus on Internal Growth
The Christian life is not about outward appearances but about inward transformation. Spend time in prayer, worship, and the study of God’s Word. Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in every area of your life. True growth comes from the inside out, and the more we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us, the more we reflect Christ’s character.
- Serve Others Humbly
Rather than seeking recognition, we are called to serve others with humility. Jesus modeled servant leadership, washing His disciples’ feet and laying down His life for us. We must follow His example by serving those around us, whether in our families, communities, or workplaces. True greatness in God’s Kingdom is found in humble service.
- Seek God’s Glory, Not Your Own
Everything we do should be for the glory of God. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.” Our actions, whether big or small, should reflect God’s greatness and draw others to Him, not to ourselves.
Strong Call to Action:
We invite you to step into a deeper, more authentic encounter with the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit Encounters is a sacred space where you can experience the tangible presence of God in your life. Whether you’re seeking to renew your faith, deepen your connection with God, or understand the mysteries of His Kingdom, our community is here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t wait—allow the Holy Spirit to transform your life today. Join us at www.holyspiritencounters.com and become part of a global movement of believers who are hungry for the powerful presence of God.
