So, today ... read Matthew 6: 1 - 18. Then join me back here ...
In the Jewish world of Jesus' day there were 3 great works of the religious life. Those three were: giving to the poor (alms giving), prayer, and fasting. So it is no surprise that Jesus addresses each of these three categories as he continues his discourse on true righteousness. Did you see the common thread that wove itself throughout Jesus' comments in each of these areas?
The common thread is ... don't do any of it to be seen, to impress others, for theatrical appeal. The focus is God ... not you. All three areas of work are important. None are to be neglected. However ... the temptation to do good deeds ... to practice religion ... to be seen and praised by other people is strong and subtle. What I learn in these verses is that my motive is of utmost importance! And aren't motives tricky things?!
First ... don't do your "giving" to be praised by people. If that is your motivation ... enjoy the praise because that is all there is. The fact that a person is doing some "giving" to the needy seems to be a given. Is it a 'given' in your life? Are you making sure that you are giving of what God has given you to help those who are marginalized? Those who are in deep need? Be sure you are doing that ... and as you do it, don't blow your own horn. Do it because of God ... do it to honor him ...
Second ... don't pray to impress others. Prayer is a given for a citizen in the kingdom of God ... not an optional activity. But always remember what it is ... and what it is not. It is ... communication with God. It is ... a channel through which we bend our wills to the will of the Father. It is not ... theatrical. It is not ... to focus on the pray-er - how intelligent, or spiritual, or holy he/she is. It is between you and God. Listen to Philip Yancey:
I have come to see prayer as a privilege, not a duty. Like all good things, prayer requires some discipline. Yet I believe that life with God should seem more like friendship than duty. Prayer includes moments of ecstasy and also dullness, mindless distraction and acute concentration, flashes of joy and bouts of irritation. In other words, prayer has features in common with all relationships that matter.
If prayer stands as the place where God and human beings meet, then I must learn about prayer. Most of my struggles in the Christian life circle around the same two themes: why God doesn't act the way we want God to, and why I don't act the way God wants me to. Prayer is the precise point where those themes converge. (from: Prayer, Does It Make Any Difference)
Third ... when you fast, when you give something up so that you can better focus on your God ... don't show off to others. Don't be sure that you work it into conversations so that your friends will be well aware that you are sacrificing. Don't post it on your facebook page or twitter feed so that your 'people' will be sure and know how spiritual you are. Keep it quiet ... between you and God. I am also touched by Jesus' apparent expectation that fasting would be done. It wasn't "if you fast" but "when you fast". We can learn something there.
So ... bottom line? Our motives matter. In fact, our motives are crucial. Again, the question is not deciding if you will give to the needy and pray and fast ... you are a citizen of the kingdom of God ... of course you will give to the needy and pray and fast. The question is how you will do it.
Lord, purify my motives.
Give me the eyes to see when my motivation is more about me than about you.
Set alarms off in my mind when I slip into the 'praise of people' arena.
All glory to you ... all praise to you ... all honor to you.
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