31 July - Matthew 6

We’re reading Matthew 6 together today. Below are a couple things to think about:

1. In this chapter we continue the teaching Jesus was giving his disciples. Jesus was telling them that when they do a “good dead” or an act of kindness don’t do it so other people will see you. Many people do something nice for other people but make sure everyone knows about it. Jesus  tells them if they do that then they will get their praise from men. But if they help people without making a show of it then God will reward them as he sees fit. 
2. Then Jesus talked about how to pray and continues the same message; don’t do it for show. The religious leaders in Jesus’ time would stand in public and pray loudly so others would hear them and think they’re more holy. We should pray to God as a way of communicating with him because we’re in a relationship with him. Jesus said we should pray to God like we’re talking to our Father. It’s about a relationship with our loving Father.
3. Jesus goes on to talk about fasting in the same way. Fasting is when you refrain from eating certain foods or stop eating all together for a set period of time to grow closer to God. The purpose of fasting isn’t to lose weight. Fasting is about using as much time as possible to connect with God through reading the Bible and talking to him. Fasting is a great way to connect with God but should not be something we parade around to others to make them think better of us.
4. Jesus ends with telling his disciples not to worry about temporary things here on earth. Instead we should be trying to grow closer to God and trust he will take care of us.

When you do something nice for people do you secretly hope other people will see you and think you’re a good person? If so, Jesus says then you’ve already received your reward. When you talk to God do you try to use special words or hide your sins? God just wants us to talk to him like we would our best friend. Have you ever tried fasting to grow closer to God? If not, try to get another person who is trying to follow Jesus to do it with you for a day. Fasting is a great way to recharge your relationship with God and if you do it with a friend you can both help each other. Lastly, do you spend a lot of time worrying about life? Stop. Ask God to help you trust him more instead of worrying about things. He loves you more than you can imagine and he wants what’s best for you.