YEA Lesson Library

The Lesson

Eric was a Thespian and really enjoyed acting. He had just tried out for state competition and anxiously awaited the results. His secret dream was to go to Austin and enter the Texas Interscholastic League competition. Getting the part to play Uncle Stanley in George Washington Slept Here should ensure he would be going to Austin.

Finally, the drama teacher came out and made the announcement that Eric would indeed play Uncle Stanley. Staying after school each afternoon was well worth it because all of those people would be there watching him perform. Learning the lines for Uncle Stanley came easy for Eric. He learned to get himself in character, to think like Uncle Stanley, to talk like Uncle Stanley, and to act like Uncle Stanley. Play acting was not only fun, it was hot stuff for Eric.

The curtains went up and Eric proudly played the part of Uncle Stanley. He acted the part well and was proud of his performance. The applause was deafening as the people came to their feet almost in unison. The thrill of a lifetime came with that standing “O.” He knew George Washington Slept Here had it in the bag. Man, that was big stuff! But when the play was over, the awards were passed out and the applause was gone, the costume and all of the dramatic trappings were gone as well. Eric was just Eric again.

Play acting isn’t just something students do in school plays or actors and actresses do before the cameras in Hollywood. We all perform from time to time. We thrive when people applaud or compliment us. But how long does the applause last? How much lasting good does it really do us?

The word “Hypocrite” means stage actor or one who plays a part. In Jesus’ day performers wore masks to conceal their true identity while playing their part. Jesus challenges us to not live our lives for the praise of our peers, but to be genuine. Acting religious doesn’t gain you any brownie points with God. The message comes through loud and clear in Jesus’ teachings that our good deeds, religious life and worship of Him should be genuine and not just putting on a show. God looks on the intent of the heart.

He says if you do your good deeds for the public to admire you, you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. “When you give a gift to a beggar, don’t shout about it as the hypocrites do – blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their act of charity! I tell you in all earnestness, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you do a kindness to someone, do it secretly – don’t tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. And your Father who knows all secrets will reward you” (Matthew 6:2-4 TLB).

What does Jesus have to say about other religious acts such as prayer? He again warns us not to be like the hypocrites who pray long public prayers so that everyone can see them praying and hear their beautifully worded prayers. Prayer is a very private thing between you and God. It’s a time when you can talk over all of your secrets with Him and you can trust Him not to tell a soul.

His instructions are to go in your room and shut your door. He wants you to be yourself and not be pretentious. Just as Eric was Eric again after the costume came off, God wants no acting or pretense. He doesn’t even want you to repeat the same prayer over and over again. He wants you to say what’s in your heart and on your mind. After all, He already knows your thoughts, so you might just as well tell Him.

Jesus says, here is a model for you to follow. “Our Father in heaven, we honor your holy name. We ask that your kingdom will come now. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven. Give us our food again today, as usual, and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Don’t bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. Amen” (Matthew 6:9-13 TLB).

One of the greatest temptations we all have is to want respect, applause, admiration and approval of our peers. Jesus tells us that if we live our lives and do our deeds as a show for them, then that is the only reward we will have. It will last just about as long as Eric’s standing ovation and it’s all over. But when you live your life to please Jesus and Jesus alone, He’ll ensure you’ll have a much greater reward that will last throughout all eternity.