READ
Matthew 6:1-4; 16-18
CONSIDER
In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns us, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them” (Matt 6:1). People can misread this as a call to privatize our faith and not practice our righteousness publicly (aka live out our faith). It is actually a call to reflect on our motivations and whether we are seeking God’s glory or the praise of people.
The reality of being human is that we will have mixed motivations. We want to serve God alone but inevitably we struggle to avoid seeking the praise of people. So how do we navigate this challenge? The key is found in the hiddenness principle that Jesus lays out for us alongside a call to reflection. Reflecting on our motives is how we do the right thing (practicing righteousness) for the right reasons. If you want to practice doing that, please check out the prayer section below for a spiritual exercise.
See you Sunday.
Pastor Tim Sreedharan
PRAY
Practicing our Righteousness: a spiritual exercise in prayer
Begin with a time of reflection: Where do I struggle with mixed motivations?
Then move into a time of confession. Ask God, what do I need to confess to you? How have my mixed motivations hindered me from living solely for your glory.
Then finish with a prayer of surrender. For example, “Christ, even as I struggle with mixed motivations, please help me. I need your strength to do what you have called me to do. Enable me to do it for your glory alone. Give me eyes only for you. Amen.”
As we spend time reflecting on our motivations, may it move it into confession and surrender as Christ reshapes our motivations to give us eyes for Him alone.