Glitz and Glamour
A reading for Monday, May 19, 2014: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18.
Every true relationship requires intimacy and not acclamation.
Famous people often complain of isolation even though they are surrounded by people who all claim to be friends. Truth is those so called "friends" are only there for the glitz and the glamour of fame. If and when the acclaim goes away, so does the friendship.
So it is with God too. Giving, prayer, and fasting are meant to be offered within our relationship with God. These are not so that we can be acclaimed as being faithful and righteous. There is no intimacy in such acts, since they are only for our own aggrandizement. It's like being in relationship with ourselves and not with God.
So when you give... are you giving for the benefit of another, or is it to make you feel better? When you pray, consider your motivation... are you sharing your life with God, or trying to justify yourself? When you fast... are you the beneficiary, or is your fast for the intimacy of your relationship with God?
A good check is one simple question. Is this about us or about God? In the end, the answer to that question will determine whether we are in relationship with God or simply seeking our own glitz and glamour of fame.
Every true relationship requires intimacy and not acclamation.
Famous people often complain of isolation even though they are surrounded by people who all claim to be friends. Truth is those so called "friends" are only there for the glitz and the glamour of fame. If and when the acclaim goes away, so does the friendship.
So it is with God too. Giving, prayer, and fasting are meant to be offered within our relationship with God. These are not so that we can be acclaimed as being faithful and righteous. There is no intimacy in such acts, since they are only for our own aggrandizement. It's like being in relationship with ourselves and not with God.
So when you give... are you giving for the benefit of another, or is it to make you feel better? When you pray, consider your motivation... are you sharing your life with God, or trying to justify yourself? When you fast... are you the beneficiary, or is your fast for the intimacy of your relationship with God?
A good check is one simple question. Is this about us or about God? In the end, the answer to that question will determine whether we are in relationship with God or simply seeking our own glitz and glamour of fame.
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