Matthew 6:16-18
“When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. If you ‘go into training’ inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
There is an episode of the ABC television comedy “Modern Family” in which the character Cameron sets out all of his old “fat jeans” at a family yard sale. He declares that “You know, I’ve lost 25 pounds!” Everyone is concerned, because like millions of Americans, he generally diets, loses weight, and then regains said weight…and then some! I have little doubt that you know at least one person who frequently announces, “I’m going on a diet!” Or maybe he/she says, “THIS TIME, I’m really going to get in shape…quit smoking…finish cleaning that closet or shed” - or whatever it is that requires a hefty dose of personal discipline and determination.
There are some who feel that we should hold ourselves accountable by announcing our intentions. But Jesus tells us that when we do this in order to draw closer to God, we are essentially making a production – and this does not please God. Announcements that we are “giving this up for Lent,” or that “I am going to read my Bible every day” do not make us better Christians – or demonstrate extreme faithfulness. Verbal declarations that we are going to memorize a certain number of Bible verses…or public promises to get up an hour early every morning to “spend quiet time with God” do not make us more effective – or improve our standing in God’s eyes.
What God wants is sincere, humble effort. He wants us to quietly do the work that Jesus outlined for us...to learn from the Master who sought little to no outward attention for His miraculous works – even though the accolades would have most certainly been merited. God wants us to develop discipline in our discipleship and ministries. But calling attention to these efforts is not what He had in mind.
So study your Bible…spend quiet time with God…start the diet and sell the pants! But let your humble demeanor and the words and actions of your day speak for themselves…and your discipleship. Others will notice…but most importantly, God will see how you carry yourself – and bless your faithful obedience. And isn’t that the ultimate goal?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. If you ‘go into training’ inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
There is an episode of the ABC television comedy “Modern Family” in which the character Cameron sets out all of his old “fat jeans” at a family yard sale. He declares that “You know, I’ve lost 25 pounds!” Everyone is concerned, because like millions of Americans, he generally diets, loses weight, and then regains said weight…and then some! I have little doubt that you know at least one person who frequently announces, “I’m going on a diet!” Or maybe he/she says, “THIS TIME, I’m really going to get in shape…quit smoking…finish cleaning that closet or shed” - or whatever it is that requires a hefty dose of personal discipline and determination.
There are some who feel that we should hold ourselves accountable by announcing our intentions. But Jesus tells us that when we do this in order to draw closer to God, we are essentially making a production – and this does not please God. Announcements that we are “giving this up for Lent,” or that “I am going to read my Bible every day” do not make us better Christians – or demonstrate extreme faithfulness. Verbal declarations that we are going to memorize a certain number of Bible verses…or public promises to get up an hour early every morning to “spend quiet time with God” do not make us more effective – or improve our standing in God’s eyes.
What God wants is sincere, humble effort. He wants us to quietly do the work that Jesus outlined for us...to learn from the Master who sought little to no outward attention for His miraculous works – even though the accolades would have most certainly been merited. God wants us to develop discipline in our discipleship and ministries. But calling attention to these efforts is not what He had in mind.
So study your Bible…spend quiet time with God…start the diet and sell the pants! But let your humble demeanor and the words and actions of your day speak for themselves…and your discipleship. Others will notice…but most importantly, God will see how you carry yourself – and bless your faithful obedience. And isn’t that the ultimate goal?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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