Today’s scripture: Matthew 6:1-15 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Brenda Corbello):
What might Jesus have meant when he said that we should not be tempted to role-play before God? Another version says to pray in secret. Both seem to stress that we should be as sincere as we are capable of being when we address God.
I realize that it is often difficult to keep our pride out of the way when we are asked to pray in public or in a small group, but I think that it is just as important to be humble and sincere when you are praying in the midst of a group. It really serves no purpose to make a spectacle of yourself when worshiping or praying. The purpose of these activities is to bring us closer to God. This has nothing to do with anyone else. Our self-consciousness and pride only hinder the closeness we could achieve.
I have learned over the years that it does not matter what I say, if God’s Will is sought, then the others will hear what they need to hear.
In a class I took recently, we discussed that we all live in our own stories. We perceive things to be as we believe them to be. “Reality” is rarely the only factor in what we understand. If this is true in our communications with each other, then how can it not also be true in our spiritual lives?
Additionally, if we make too much of a spectacle of ourselves, then we are bringing attention to us and not to God. And then when we fail, as humans do, all our performing will just provide a bigger target on us. Then our failures reflect upon God and can be a barrier to the understanding of others.
Whether we are showing off, or acting as a bad example of a Christian, neither of these situations is in the service of God.
Thought for the day: Lord, let me continuously seek Your company without bringing attention to myself. Let Your goodness be the focus. Let me be an example of a faithful servant, and not be too proud to give You all the glory.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.