Matthew – Chapter 6 – “When No One is Looking…”
Jesus basically says that it is what we do when we are certain that on one will see or know – that defines what kind of person we are (or perhaps we are becoming). The most interesting (sobering) thing of course is to know that there is One who always sees, always knows – He, is our “Audience of One”. In Chapter 6 Jesus teaches on three basic practices or principles and on how someone who would be His disciple approaches life. He talks about:
What we give when (we think) no one is looking… (verses 1-4)
God sees and He knows our heart – our motive. This is all between you and Him! Jesus makes the point that if we give anonymously we are not tempted to be noticed and the receiver is not tempted to see us as the source. This is because we are stewards, caretakers or trustees of God’s resources - we are no more the source for His provision that a pipe is the source of the water – it is only a channel through which provision comes!
What we pray when (we think) no one is listening…(verses 5-18)
There is no “formula”. He gave us an example of how we should pray and what we should pray about. He said, “pray like this…”. Again, this is between you and Him – He gave us a model to follow. Jesus talks about forgiveness because unforgivness hinders the Holy Spirit from working in us. He also says that fasting is between Him and us – not to be noticed by men so that they will think that somehow we are “super – spiritual”! We don’t fast for God to hear us – we fast – we quiet ourselves (put aside competing voices and media) so that we can hear the voice of God! (look at Isaiah 58).
What we value when we are up against it…(verses 19-34)
Jesus says that our money goes toward what we value – because that is where our heart is! In other words – our heart and our money are always in close proximity! Money is only good so far as what it can accomplish. It will try to compete for our loyalty and our affections! It is just a means to an end so far as the Kingdom of God is concerned.
When it comes to how we live our lives, we need to trust and live by faith - that God is Jehovah Jireh – He is our provider and as we seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness – His rule and reign in our lives – He will provide and He will supply our need. We don’t need to worry about tomorrow because He will be there to provide as well. (this doesn’t however mean that we are not to plan)
All three of these practices illustrate Kingdom thinking and living.
We are to subordinate our giving, our spiritual life (prayer, etc.), our thoughtlife, our physical life to His Lordship (this will help to keep us from becoming religious!) We are not adhering to a set of rules or dogma but we are surrendering to a real King as we are subjects of a Kingdom – the Kingdom of God.
May our Lord Jesus help us to see His Kingdom and walk in His ways – especially as in these times we see His return drawing near! May we always be about advancing the Kingdom and proclaiming the preeminence and the utimate victory of the King!
Blessing and Peace,
Pastor Dave


