Matthew 6:1-4; Acts 4:32-5:11; 1 Peter 3:3-4

Introduction:

1. This is another multi-layered heart matter that manifests in various sinful actions.

2. It is natural to seek attention, affirmation, reassurance, etc., but this intrinsic human need opens a door for temptation Satan is sure to manipulate to our harm.

3. This discussion seeks to ensure that, as we naturally seek attention, affirmation, etc., that we seek His attention above all others.

Discussion:

I. Human Attention is Not Wrong

A. We need not go to the extreme of depriving ourselves of wholesome, human attention.

B. Many relationships would not exist or could be harmed if we did not seek others’ attention.

C. This is reinforced by God’s commandments concerning interpersonal relationships.

1. We must be attentive to strained relationships (Matthew 5:21-24; 18:15-18).

2. Spouses must tend to one another’s needs (Ephesians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 7:1-5; 1 Peter 3:7).

3. Parents must tend to children’s needs (Ephesians 6:4; 1 Timothy 2:15).

4. Children must later return that attention to their aging parents (1 Timothy 5:3-8).

5. Brethren must tend one another’s needs (Matthew 25:31-46; Romans 12:13; Galatians 6:1-2; Philippians 2:1-4).

D. This demands we make our needs known, that we seek the needed attention (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:11).

II. Wrongful Attention Seeking Behaviors

A. The issue is seeking attention in wrong ways, for wrong reasons, with wrong attitudes, etc.

B. The Bible addresses several of these in principle and often in illustrations.

1. Some do right things for wrong reasons:

a. Jesus named three such behaviors in Matthew 6:1-18: good deeds, prayer, and fasting.

b. Ananias and Sapphira lied about their gift to gain human favor (Acts 4:32-5:11).

c. Some Jewish leaders believed in Jesus but preferred human attention (John 12:42-43).

2. Others do sinful things because they crave human attention: pursuing prominence (Matthew 20:20-21); committing sexual sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-11); dressing immodestly (1 Peter 3:3-4).

3. How many have done things they would not otherwise do to “fit in” with their peers? (1 Corinthians 15:33; 5:6; cf. Exodus 23:33).

III. Being Contented with His Attention

A. This list of detrimental attention-seeking behaviors is longer than any of us could digest.

B. Thankfully, the solution is the same every time; seek God’s approval over human approval (Galatians 1:10; Matthew 6:1, 4, 18; Colossians 3:23; James 4:4).

C. By focusing on pleasing the one who enlisted him, the good soldier avoids the trap of failing his mission pursuing “civilian affairs” (2 Timothy 2:3-4).

Conclusion:

1. Seeking human glory/approval over God’s glory/approval destroys faith (John 5:43-44; 12:42-43), so we must set our hearts and minds on things above (Colossians 3:1ff).

2. May we make it our aim, under every circumstance to please the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:9), and to crave His friendship over friendship with the world (James 4:4).

3. Though human approval brings immediate rewards (cf. Matthew 6:1-18), it is fleeting, and if we forfeit His approval, we will regret it for all eternity.