Righteousness is simply right-ness. Jesus shows us how to be righteous in how we live, act, speak and think. But Jesus also says the audience of our righteousness matters. Are we acting righteously to be seen by others, or out of a genuine love for God?
1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
In what areas of your life are you tempted or prone to seek attention from or impress others (sports, music, grades giving, serving, Bible knowledge, etc.)? Who are people you tend to seek attention and approval from?
*According to this past week’s sermon, if you give, pray, or fast for the whole world to see your good deeds, their momentary noticing, is your reward. If, however, you give, pray or fast privately, God sees it and he will reward you. Take some time individually and as a family to prayerfully consider whose reward you value more.
Thanks to all who answered our question last week! Here were the results:
Jesus gives us a model to follow as we pray. His model is what we call, “The Lord’s Prayer,” which is found in Matthew 6.9-15. Follow the outline but use your own words to pray these things:
Amen!
9 Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6.9-15
Do good in secret this week!
Give: As a family, decide together who or what you can support financially that really needs it this week. Give as generously as you can. Consider supporting local businesses that need your help. Giving can also mean giving of your time, not just your resources. Alternatively, who could benefit from your help this week? (i.e., help with spring cleanup, window washing, gardening, etc.)
Pray: As a family, decide who really needs your prayer support! Don’t announce it, but faithfully pray throughout the week, for that person, family, group of people, and/or entire situation.