Articles
Empty-hearted
If we are paying attention, we can tell a lot about what others are thinking by their body language. Our eye contact (or lack thereof), facial expressions, gestures, posture, leg positions, and many other visuals are outward manifestations of our thoughts – which can make them a dead giveaway. But, we do have the ability to hide what is happening on the inside.
Matthew 6 refers to hypocrites as those who are putting on an outward show. What they appear to be doing is not truly displaying what is happening on the inside – thus concealing their true intentions. Instead of being genuinely benevolent, hypocrites sound a trumpet before themselves (6:2). Instead of praying about what is important, Gentiles hypocritically heap up empty phrases (6:7). Instead of fasting out of devotion to God and spiritual discipline, hypocrites intentionally look gloomy to be seen by others (6:16). Hypocrites appear to be doing something that seeks God’s approval, but the text repetitiously reminds us that they are secretly in pursuit of being seen by men.
God is not like us. He does not depend on body language to know our thoughts (Matthew 9:4), which means He knows those who are pure in heart (5:8). We need to consider this concept, specifically in connection to our prayer life. Jesus says, “so do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (6:8). Praying about what we “need” is vastly different than heaping up “empty phrases” using “many words”. He knows whether we are entrusting Him with the needs of our life when we pray, or whether we are essentially making spiritual small talk. God sees no value in empty-hearted prayers.
Jesus’s teaching brings to light that our Father in heaven is paying attention, but not as one who seeks to accuse. His intentions are to reward us for practicing righteousness; however, God cannot ignore the fact that He sees through those who are pretending. The question becomes, how to I know if that is me? First, a good indication for us is to consider what we do in secret – when no one else is watching. Second, do I pray to Him about the things that matter? He knows the way something should be, He knows what is lacking, and He knows our needs even before we ask Him. If we bring to Him the important spiritual, physical, and kingdom-related parts of our life, then that is an indication that our hearts are in the right place. Let us practice righteousness as a manifestation of our hearts.
