Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 - Practical Practices
"Beware!" Jesus warned that practices of religion for eyes other than God have no merit. Yet we are still challenged to practice them. The difference is subtle but critical. Jesus' warning is unexpected, too. I mean, wouldn't practicing any time be appropriate, no matter who is around?
Here's the thing...Jesus also said, "don't."
Don't blow your trumpet (like the hypocrites do).
Don't let your left hand know what the right hand is doing.
Don't be like the hypocrites when you pray.
Don't put on a sad face when you fast.
Don't collect treasures for your own benefit.
But he also challenged us to "do!"
It's all in the motivation.
Give because you need to show compassion and mercy.
Pray because you need to connect with God.
Fast because you need to discipline yourself.
Collect blessings from God because you deeply desire to please God in all your actions and the blessings become treasures!
The warning is simple: we are to be playing to an audience of One. It is only God who needs to see our actions of piety, to hear our prayers, to see our mercy and generosity. And when we begin working toward this audience of God alone, we will find the only treasures we truly need.
Keep a holy Lent!
Peace ><>
Pastor Chris
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