Backstage Spirituality

By Richard

Here is a summary of Matthew 6:1-18 directly quoted from The Message. No comment needed…it says it all.

“When you’re trying to be good…don’t make a performance out of it…the God who made you won’t be applauding… [Imitate] the way your God…working behind the scenes helps you out. And when you come before God [in prayer], don’t turn it into a theatrical production… [Rather] find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play…be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God and you’ll begin to sense his grace…[He] is your Father…[and] with a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply…When you practice some appetite-denying discipline…concentrate on God [and] don’t make a production out of it. If [you are] training inwardly, act normal outwardly…God doesn’t require attention getting. He won’t overlook what you are doing…he’ll reward you well.”