Grant Skeldon preaches from Matthew 6:1-8, arguing that much of Christian life is meant to be lived in the unseen and that God cares about the motives behind our public acts. Jesus warns against practicing righteousness for recognition - giving, fasting, and prayer should flow from intimacy with the Father, not a desire for a platform or applause. Skeldon contrasts public Christianity (the platform/purpose temptations of our age) with quiet, sacrificial acts done only for God, illustrated by the story of Dale Schroeder who quietly paid college for dozens of students. He urges listeners to pray specifically rather than babbling, examine their motives, and invite God to search and restore their hearts so that their devotion is to God, not to being seen.
“The story of Dale Schroeder - a frugal carpenter who left instructions and money to pay college tuition for dozens of small‑town Iowa students, quietly changing many lives.” · Grant Skeldon
Take it with you
Cultivate private rhythms of giving, serving, fasting, and prayer that only God knows about. Before praying, pause and be specific rather than repeating generic phrases; listen as well as ask. Regularly ask God to search your heart and purify mixed motives, seeking intimacy with Him above platform or recognition.
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