Ok . . . so this year one of the TV shows that’s made it on my “to watch” list is Undercover Boss. That’s the show where some big kahuna in a company, usually the CEO, goes incognito and enters the inner-workings of his company . . . being filmed under the pretense of some other “reality TV” premise. And during the week, as he’s working different jobs in different parts of the company, he learns what life’s like on the “front lines”. He meets employees . . . hears their stories . . . does their work . . . and learns a few lessons along the way. And then, these employees are brought to headquarters where they are reunited with “the rookie” . . . this time not as a co-worker but as their bosses bosses boss. And at their meeting, these “lowly workers” are given praise . . . sometimes given correction . . . and often given rewards. So what’s got me thinking Undercover Boss? It’s another “reality show” I’m reading about in Matthew 6.

“Be real!” says the Holy Spirit through Matthew. Giving to the needy? Don’t be standing up in church or waving your gifts on the street corners trying to impress others of how great a friend to the poor you are. Do it in secret. Praying? Avoid seeking public platforms in order that others might hear your many eloquent (but empty) words, instead find a room with a door . . . and get in the room . . . and get on your knees . . . and get to talking with God. Do it in secret. Fasting? Quit letting your outer appearance try to reflect your inner striving so that others might be impressed. Have a shower, shave, put on some perfume (if you’re a lady) . . . don’t let on to anyone how starved you are. Do it in secret. (Matt 6:1-18 PLT – Pete’s Loose Translation).

Do it in secret because that’s where your Father operates. Three times that point is emphasized in this passage . . . “And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (6:4, 6, 18). God operates, in a sense, undercover. It’s not that He’s trying to hide . . . or trying to fool anyone . . . it’s just that His place is the secret place . . . His realm is the hidden realm . . . His interest is in the inner person. Not that He’s gone undercover . . . not that He’s disguised Himself . . . in fact, the heavens declare the glory and presence of God (Ps. 19:1) . . . His people should be proclaiming the praises of God who has called them out of darkness into light (1Peter 2:9) . . . that the whole world might know that God exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). God operates in the secret, but not because He’s trying to hide . . . but because He’s interested in what’s real.

Rather, we’re the ones to go incognito, in a sense. When it comes to “practicing righteousness” (Matt 6:1) . . . when it comes to walking the talk . . . when it comes to putting flesh on Christianity . . . we are to do it but for an Audience of One. God’s people are to know that God searches the secret, and are to learn to operate in that realm. It’s not about how much people know we give . . . not about how eloquent we can be in a crowd at prayer meeting . . . not about how long we can abstain for food and how many people we can tell in that time. It’s about doing what we should be doing . . . because it’s the right thing to do.

And it’s about knowing that our Father sees in secret. That He’s present on the “shop floor” as we seek, by His grace and through His Spirit, to be about the kingdom’s business. That He knows not just what we do, but why we do it. And that ours isn’t to worry about the recognition but to check ourselves on the reality.

One day I’ll be called to HQ (Heavenly Quarters being prepared even now by the Savior), and I’ll behold Him face to face. That some of my works may not stand the scrutiny of Him who sees the heart is likely . . . that I might hear “Well done good faithful servant” for some service is my desire . . . that I might receive a crown or two to lay back at His feet in appreciation and worship is my hope. But for now, teach me Lord it operate “undercover” . . . to know the God who abides in the hidden place . . . to serve not for the eyes of men but of the eyes of Him who sees in secret.

For His glory alone . . . amen.