3 Nephi 13

The next couple of chapters is often referred to as the be-attitudes--basically an instruction manual for life. Living by their precepts will guide us and direct us. One concept that caused me contemplation today was the concept of not doing righteous things to be seen of others. In the New Testament this instruction is offered quite often, and then related back to the Pharisees. I think too often we point our fingers at the Pharisees, but we too--have some of those tendencies.

The Pharisees wanted to appear righteous. I think some of them even wanted to be righteous, but they missed the point. Righteousness is not found by merely doing a checklist of "good deeds". Righteousness is found in the heart. Sure, we have to do the good to become good, but our righteousness also requires our heart turned to God. For the Pharisees it was easy to get caught up in "looking" good rather than actually "being" good.

In our day, I feel we can easily fall into the same problem. With social media at our fingertips, we can post "brags" on Facebook and Instagram or even Twitter. Sometimes those things posted are for righteous purposes--perhaps, to share the gospel, or to reach someone in need; however, when we post to be seen of men for our good works, we are not much different than the Pharisees. All too often "selfies" are taken for the mere purpose of the praise we can receive. Too many people are finding their self-worth through social media. Are we posting to be seen of men? If we are, we may need to rethink our motives.

In 3 Nephi 13 it counsels against doing deeds of righteousness to be seen of men. It talks about alms and fasting. I believe this is a matter of the heart. When we turn our hearts to God, we will be doing those good deeds for righteous purposes--whether it be posting about righteousness or simply acting by faith. Our motives for the good we do will make all the difference.