Matthew 6:1-15 Kingdom Righteousness In Everyday Activities - Part 1

My commentary says, "The true righteousness of the kingdom must be applied in the everyday activities of life."

Regarding giving, it said, "Jesus cautioned us to make sure that our hearts are right as we practice giving.  The Pharisees used almsgiving to gain favor with God and attention from men, both of which are wrong motives ... Our sinful nature is so subtle that it can defile even a good thing like sharing with the poor ... if our motive is to serve God in love and please Him, then we will give our gifts without calling attention to them."

Regarding our praying, it said, "We must pray in secret before we pray in public ... It is wrong to pray in public if we are not in the habit of praying in private.  Observers may think that we are practicing prayer [regularly] when we are not, and this is hypocrisy."

"We must pray sincerely ... the mere reciting of memorized prayers can be vain repetition ... With some people, praying is like putting the needle on the phonograph record and then forgetting about it.  But God does not answer insincere prayers."

"We must pray in God's will ... Prayer is a mighty instrument, not for getting man's will done in heaven, but for getting God's will done on earth.  We have no right to ask God for anything that will dishonor His name, delay His kingdom, or disturb His will on earth ... If we are praying in the will of God, the answer will be a blessing to all of God's people in one way or another ... Prayer prepares us for the proper use of the answer -- trusting Him, we will make better use of the answer than if God forced it on us without our asking."

"We must pray, having a forgiving spirit toward others ... Since prayer involves glorifying God's name, hastening the coming of God's kingdom, and helping to accomplish God's will on earth, the one praying must not have sin in his heart.  If God answered the prayers of a believer who had an unforgiving spirit, He would dishonor His own name ... The important thing about prayer is not simply getting an answer, but being the kind of person whom God can trust with an answer."

Thank You for the prayer time I enjoyed with You after reading this, Father.  Help me to do it this way more often.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford