For God, Not Self

 Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Giving to the Needy

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

² “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Prayer

⁵ “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ⁶ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Fasting

¹⁶ “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ¹⁷ But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

As we pray and do good for others, Jesus strongly advises that we act humbly, not calling attention to ourselves. We are working for the Father, and as much as possible he should be the only one who sees what we are doing. Our egos tend to kick in all too frequently, seeking recognition even in subtle ways. Today's verses can help us tame our egos and keep things in perspective. Fidelity to daily prayer and meditation is the antidote to a self-aggrandizing ego. Remember all is for God, not for me!

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, as you were meek and humble of heart, help me to be the same. Amen