January 22, 2014
If it's for show, then it's a no-go. "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 6.1)
Blatant showy 'spirituality', such as sounding a trumpet when giving to the poor (Matthew 6.2), or praying aloud on a street corner, would be personally appalling to most people. But, we might succumb to more subtle forms of practicing our "righteousness before men to be noticed by them". For example, we might speak and position ourselves in group Bible study to appear more knowledgeable than we really are. Or, we might use a different voice or vocabulary in a public prayer to intimate a closer relationship with God than really exists.
Who we are in private is the real test of who we really are. When we are alone, do our thoughts readily turn to our Father? Are we drawn to ponder certain verses and Bible passages? Of course there are mental battles waged when we are alone - unimportant, and even evil thoughts and ideas creep in. But, do we resist or indulge these thoughts in our privacy?
The best remedy for inconsistency between our public and private self is the model prayer given to us by Jesus (Matthew 6.9-13). Focus on our Father, and His holy name. Pray and meditate on the priority of His kingdom on earth as in heaven. Seek His daily provision. Be aware of personal need and practice of forgiveness. Seek victory over temptation and evil.
We are all prone to a certain degree of hypocrisy and inconsistency. Our private times with our Father will do much to bring harmony and consistency in public practice and private thought. Who we are alone before Him is who we really are. May an honest encounter with Him today do much to bring real integrity and consistency to our lives.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book - https://www.createspace.com/4500045
Blatant showy 'spirituality', such as sounding a trumpet when giving to the poor (Matthew 6.2), or praying aloud on a street corner, would be personally appalling to most people. But, we might succumb to more subtle forms of practicing our "righteousness before men to be noticed by them". For example, we might speak and position ourselves in group Bible study to appear more knowledgeable than we really are. Or, we might use a different voice or vocabulary in a public prayer to intimate a closer relationship with God than really exists.
Who we are in private is the real test of who we really are. When we are alone, do our thoughts readily turn to our Father? Are we drawn to ponder certain verses and Bible passages? Of course there are mental battles waged when we are alone - unimportant, and even evil thoughts and ideas creep in. But, do we resist or indulge these thoughts in our privacy?
The best remedy for inconsistency between our public and private self is the model prayer given to us by Jesus (Matthew 6.9-13). Focus on our Father, and His holy name. Pray and meditate on the priority of His kingdom on earth as in heaven. Seek His daily provision. Be aware of personal need and practice of forgiveness. Seek victory over temptation and evil.
We are all prone to a certain degree of hypocrisy and inconsistency. Our private times with our Father will do much to bring harmony and consistency in public practice and private thought. Who we are alone before Him is who we really are. May an honest encounter with Him today do much to bring real integrity and consistency to our lives.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2014
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book - https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 8:28 AM
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