Daily Devotion: Sermon on the Mount, Chapter 6
Daily Devotion.
Sermon on the Mount, part 2. Chapter 6
Here, we pick up on being the Salt of the earth. More on the character of a disciple. This one is pretty straight forward in its message. It more tells how we should be acting versus how we shouldn't in our deeds to our neighbors.
When you see that the need are in need, give to them; but silently. Do not make a grand show or boast about it, like the Pharisees. They do it not to glorify their god, but themselves. "I did this great thing today. May the trumpets sound for me!" Be secret about your goodness. Do not boast of it for glory, but do it because it's the right thing to do (verses 1-4).
Same thing with prayer. Do not make it a grand show to others as the Pharisees. Their reward they have: attention. But for you, pray quietly and privately. Do not be wordy, empty, or lengthy with your prayers. The Pharisees do it for their glory. They aren't really asking for anything. You just need to keep it simple. Remember, I know what you need even before you ask. I am your father in heaven (5-13).
Be merciful to others, too. If you withhold it, why should you receive it? Forgive because it brings peace in your life. Life is too short. Mercy lasts longer than judgement (14-15).
If you decide to fast, don't make that a show. "Look, I fast. Look at my face and body. I am such a good disciple." The hypocrites again do it for glory. Be secretive with your fast so that others may not see. It is between you and your god. You do it for your lord, not the public (16-18).
Do not become overtaken by the Green Eyed Monster. Greed spoils the body. Look for treasure that will not pass away, not in treasure that rusts or gets moth-eaten. You can't serve both god and money. You will then love one and hate the other (19-24).
Anxiety comes to us all the time. It takes a hard toll on our lives. When it comes to food, clothing, money, academics, love life, employment; we can't help but become stressed out. I am here to tell you, be at peace. I clothe the earth, I feed the animals, I hear your prayers. I will repay you. If I tend to nature, how much more I will tend to you, my Salt of the earth. Worrying about something will not make it done. We just have to move forward. Remember, I am your father in heaven. I hear you and I know your fears. Seek me first. Everything else will fall into place. Don't worry about tomorrow's problems today. They will be bad enough tomorrow. Focus on today. Get through that first. One day at a time. Do not put more on yourself than you already do (25-34).
Here, he sheds light on humility and being humble in what we do as disciples, the Salt of the earth. Be not boastful for glory, but do your work humbly for your lord's glory. He also gives comfort about anxiety. He knows our needs and fears. He will deliver. Just have faith and patience. At the same time, don't put more stress on yourself about what will happen tomorrow. Get through the shit of today first. The problems will still be their tomorrow. Let them wait for the day. We still have one more chapter on discipleship.














