Authentic Religious Practice
January 23, 2023
Matthew 6:1-6 | I Corinthians 13:3
Jesus begins this new section in his teaching regarding how it is that we practice our religion.
There has been much written and said about the word “religion” in recent years. i.e.: “I’m spiritual but not religious.” There’s something to be said about seeking authenticity in belief and practice. Sometimes redefining terms can help. Other times, it can be a fruitless and meaningless effort. Religion is the set of beliefs and practices one chooses, usually on the basis of a [divine] power or authority outside the self. It’s okay to be religious.
But…this is kind of Jesus’ point here. The question is not whether or not to be religious, but how. Jesus makes it clear that the same actions can be done for both right and wrong reasons. Listen closely in this section (and the next couple of days) as to his depiction of authentic religious practice.
Matthew 6:1-6
“Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
“Whenever you give to the poor, don’t blow your trumpet as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may get praise from people. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that you may give to the poor in secret. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.
“When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners so that people will see them. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.
I Corinthians 13:3
If I give away everything that I have and hand over my own body to feel good about what I’ve done but I don’t have love, I receive no benefit whatsoever.
Prayer
God,
Does it count when I send a text to *HOPE316 to donate $10 to that needy cause? What if I tweet about it? …post about it on Facebook? …take a selfie? How else will people know that they should, too?
I guess I do often like to feel good about the good I do in front of others. It’s kind of the thing. All the celebrities do it. What’s wrong with feeling good about doing good?
Oh…it’s not about me? Hmm…I see your point.
Lord of compassion, help me to be truly charitable. That is, help me to perform acts of love for the object of my affection. Indeed, affirm me with good feelings of charitableness. Yet, shape my efforts to be for the right purposes. Change my heart, God.
By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.