SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:1-18
OBSERVATION:
Jesus is addressing the motivation of the heart. Are we religious (doing good deeds, praying, attending church, giving, etc.) for the “applause” of others, do we put on a show to make a good impression, are we looking for peoples’ admiration or appreciation? For it to be real, it needs to be directed towards God, for Him, for His pleasure, for His honour. The default status of sinful human nature is self-centeredness, and many people transpose their religion onto that template, producing self-centered religion. Contrary to this, Jesus models and teaches surrender to God and to His kingdom. God is our Father, He rules in the highest place, His honour is the most important concern, His kingdom (the world as He intended it to be) and His will are top priority. To that end we ask for God to help us. We ask for our daily needs (not wants), for forgiveness, strength and protection… SO THAT we may honour His Name, seek His kingdom and follow His will.
APPLICATION:
How self-centered is my heart still? Have I fully surrendered to God and to His glory and purpose? Am I willing to sacrifice myself, my dreams, my comfort, my possessions, for His sake, for His purpose? If not, then am I truly in this for Him? The original disciples had to give up everything to follow Jesus, have I? Being religious is easier than being devoted to God and His kingdom. How many of us prefer to be religious (i.e., what basic beliefs, moral conditions and religious practices do I have to observe to be considered “IN”) than to be completely sold out for Jesus? Even for me, being a minister is still easier than being a fully devoted disciple. Its safe! But is it what the Lord asks of me?
PRAYER:
Lord, sometimes these kinds of questions really unsettle me, causing me to question everything about what I believe and how I live. I have more questions than answers, and at times I just want to quit the whole thing. Help me through this, to honestly answer the questions, but also to follow through with the answers. Amen.
Live and do this. That’s what the Master said! Do random acts of kindness without the fanfare. ‘Play it Forward.’ Just do it because that’s what the Lord our God requires of me! In our walk and in our talk, I need to live for Him, regardless what others may think! Christ Jesus is my All in All, no matter what others may say. My knowing Him must become my loving Him and my doing His loving acts of kindness to all those around me. Just do it:-) And with His Spirit working in me and through me I can be more than a conqueror. Help me Lord to live in your Way everyday!
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!