On The Mount - Week 4
Week 4 Recap:
Just Do It: Living Out Our Faith Authentically
Introduction: The phrase "Just Do It," popularized by Nike, has resonated with millions around the world. It encapsulates a spirit of determination, action, and perseverance. But what if we applied this slogan to our Christian walk? In this blog post, we will explore how the principle behind "Just Do It" can transform our spiritual lives, as derived from Matthew chapter six, focusing on giving, praying, and fasting.
The Principle of Righteousness: Matthew 6:1 sets the foundation: "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Otherwise, you will have no reward with your Father in heaven." Jesus calls us to examine our motives. True righteousness is not about outward appearances or seeking approval from others; it’s about a genuine relationship with God. We are called to pursue God for God’s sake, not to impress others.
Giving in Secret: In Matthew 6:2-4, Jesus addresses the act of giving. "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do... But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." Our giving should be discreet and motivated by love, not by the desire for recognition. The essence of giving is about helping others and honoring God, not about elevating ourselves.
The Essence of Prayer: Jesus continues in Matthew 6:5-15, emphasizing sincere prayer over public displays of piety. "When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen." The Lord’s Prayer is a model of humility and dependence on God. It reminds us that prayer is about communication with God, not about showcasing our spirituality to others. Genuine prayer seeks God's will and provision, focusing on forgiveness and deliverance from evil.
Fasting with the Right Heart: Fasting, discussed in Matthew 6:16-18, is another practice that should be done in secret. "When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting." The purpose of fasting is to draw closer to God, not to receive accolades from people. When we fast with a pure heart, God, who sees what is done in secret, will reward us.
Avoiding Self-Righteousness: A significant danger in our spiritual journey is self-righteousness. Jesus warns that self-righteousness can be more damaging than outright sin. It blinds us to our need for God’s grace and leads us to judge others. True humility acknowledges our dependence on God and seeks His glory, not our own. To overcome self-righteousness, we must cultivate a deep conviction and continually examine our hearts.
Conclusion: Living out our faith authentically means aligning our actions with our motives. "Just Do It" in the context of Christianity calls us to practice righteousness, give, pray, and fast with a sincere heart. When we pursue God for His sake and not for the approval of others, we find true freedom and fulfillment. Let us commit to living out our faith in a way that honors God and reflects His love to the world.
