Much what we do pleases ourselves or others. We publicize our good works to look good. Often our primary motive in giving our time, talent or treasure is to say, “Look at me! I’m making an impact in the world!” If we have a financial need or problem, the first place we go for help is others or the government. Do these human ways meet our needs? Is there a better way?
In the Sermon On The Mount, Christ instructed us to not practice our good works to be seen by others. If we seek glory or esteem from others, we are like a hypocrite, who in Bible times, was a stage player who acted under a mask impersonating a character (Matt. 6:1-5). Receiving a reward from God requires authenticity and transparency, not playacting where we please others.
The rest of Matthew 6 describes how to receive reward from God by living transparent and authentic lives that please God, not ourselves. It begins with our prayer life. There is a right and wrong way to pray. Here are the principles on how to pray correctly:
1. Direct our prayers to God alone (Matt. 6:6)
2. Use few words that express our purpose in prayer (Matt. 6:7)
3. Realize that God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matt. 6:8)
4. Nurture an intimate relationship with God as our Father (Matt. 6:9a)
5. Sanctify God’s name by withdrawing from the world and pressing close to Him (Matt. 6:9b)
6. Ask that God’s rule and will correspond to His wisdom and power in heaven (Matt. 6:10).
7. Pray for daily substance to sustain our lives (Matt. 6:11)
8. Pray for grace to forgive or release offenses and trespasses against us (Matt. 6:12).
9. Forbid temptation and ask for deliverance from danger or calamity (Matt. 6:13)
10. Abstain from food so we can pray with greater focus and intensity to God for greater reward (Matt. 6:16-18)
Christ’s provides additional instructions in living transparent and authentic lives to please God, not ourselves. Lay up our treasure in heaven by serving God and not money (Matt. 6:19-24). As we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all our needs will be met (Matt. 6:25-34).
Review the above principles and implement one of them today.
