"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." Matthew 6:1
These 'acts of righteousness' that Jesus is teaching on in Matthew 6:1-8; 16-18 are (1) giving, (2) praying and (3) fasting. Scripture shows how to accomplish a disciplined lifestyle of giving, praying and fasting in a way that only glorifies the Lord and never seeks personal recognition or honor. This is easier said than done because the majority of us care to some extent if/when others see our acts of righteousness.
While this challenge is difficult enough, here's another concept that is currently consuming my thoughts and evaluation of... self.
- If everyone gives the way I give, would the church be empowered or limited?
- If everyone prays the way I pray, would the church be empowered or limited?
- If everyone fasts the way I fast, would the church be empowered or limited?
Personally, I know that I'm not grading in these three categories as high as I'd like to. It is something to dwell on and... well, pray about - that I could be disciplined enough to give, pray and fast in a way that if everyone imitated me (as Paul says in 1 Corinthians), the church would thrive.
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