Scripture Reading:
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
6:1 "Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
6:2 "So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.
6:3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
6:4 so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
6:5 "And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.
6:6 But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
6:16 "And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.
6:17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,
6:18 so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal;
6:20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.
6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Message:
Life can be challenging. Often times are no easy "yes" or "no" answers. Actions cannot always be called "good" or "bad". This scripture can be a challenging one to follow too. On many occasions I've been guilty of judging others for not being as secretive about there giving or volunteering. However, aren't we to shine God's light to those around us? The main question this scripture calls us to ask is: what is motivating our actions?
The challenging thing with today's scripture is that it could seemingly be contradicting Matthew 5:15 "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." This scripture calls us to shine God's love and God's light to everyone. How could we do so in secret?
Today's scripture isn't calling us to hide from the world all the good deeds we do. It is important for us to reach out with love to others. It is good for us to volunteer our time, energy, and resources to help shine a little more light on the world. That could be very challenging indeed if we tried to do so in secret. However, this scripture is calling us to look at the motivations behind each of our actions. Do we volunteer to bring joy to others, or recognition to ourselves. Do we donate so that people who are less fortunate will have more resources, or do it to feel better about ourselves or make ourselves appear more generous?
Motivations are difficult to judge, and that is why God does not leave us to do the judging. He can see what is truly in our hearts. He knows each motivation for every action. So, while this scripture teaches us to do things for the right reason, we also need to remember not to judge the works of others. In thinking about it I feel silly for judging people on how they share the gifts they are given. I cannot see the motivations behind their actions, and their actions are doing good for the world. Sharing gifts and volunteering can be contagious. It can be good for others to see that people are volunteering so that they too can be called to action to share their light.
As we reflect on this scripture, think about what motivates you. Do you judge others on what their secret motivations might be? Do you let the gifts that you have been given help spread God's light and love to those around you?
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, help us share Your light with all those we see. Forgive us when we judge, and forgive us when our actions are more for ourselves than for others. Teach us to grow in Your love so that we can better share Your light to all those we meet. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
473 Lead Me Lord http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh473.sht
May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.
Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
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