(NLT)Matthew 6:2, 4-6, 16, 18, 32-33
When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do-blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. [4] Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
[5] "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. [6] But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
[16] "And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. [18] Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
When you give, when you pray, when you fast... not if, but when. It would appear that Jesus assumes His followers will do these things.
I skipped some of the instructional verses that go with each of these on purpose to point out the main similarities.
1. Each is an assumed action of a child of God.
2. Each is to be done without fanfare or in secret as much as possible.
3. Should you choose to do these to be seen of others, then that is all the reward you get... being seen, praised by others. That's right your peers seeing and saying, "Hey look! (Your name) gave a gift, said a prayer, fasted... Hey look! (Someone else's name) gave a. .." and that's about how long it lasts, but that's what you wanted.
4. Each should be done with these two things in mind...
A. Your Father Who sees everything is watching everything you do.
B. Your Father Who sees everything will reward you.
Your Father, God, Creator of heaven and earth is seeing everything you do. He is watching you and when you give, pray or fast and do it for His glory He will reward you.
(NLT)Galatians 6:9-10
So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. [10] Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone-especially to those in the family of faith.
Today and this weekend give some thought to acts of kindness, to prayer and fasting. When you practice these are you looking for mans reward of fame or God's eternal rewards? Let's do what we do for God.
Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr.
