Having a Kingdom Attitude 14

The next passage we will look at is Matthew 6:1-4, as Jesus begins speak on the discipline of giving. Money and stress go together. I guess it could be argued that money is the cause of much of the stresses in our lives. Jesus does not use this passage or any passage to bash money, but rather it is the selfish use of money and wealth that brings great harm to one's self. In this passage we will learn that Christians must give, but only if their motives and attitudes promote God's glory and not their own good works. If we are not careful, we can become so focused on trying to please people or receiving praise from giving that we lose out on the true blessing that one will receive from God when they give. Jesus instructed His disciples, as well as you and I to do three things before we give. These three points of examination will greatly reduce our stress in giving, as well as motive our heart to have the right attitude when we give to God.

First, when we give, examine our motives (6:2,16;23:5-7). Most of the religious' groups gave to be seen and honored by men. Jesus states that if this is your single purpose for giving, then you have lost your reward in heaven. A hypocrite will seek man's approval over God's. Second, when we give, examine our manner of giving (Matt. 6:3). The religious crowd gave to be in the spotlight. They were self-righteous, self-centered, and self-serving in their giving. Giving just to make oneself feel good is not God's intent for giving. This leads to the last point, when we give, do it only for God's glory (6:2-4; 1 Cor. 10:31). Jesus tells us to give in secret, that way we avoid the glamor from men, we please our heavenly Father, and we are used to meet real needs. We should always give from a grateful heart and for the glory of God. When we have this attitude with all our possessions, then we will have a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking closely with Christ.