Loving devotion to God

Matthew 6 : 1 - 6, 16 - 18

Beware of practicing your piety before men....

It is so hard sometimes not to automatically 'justify' our existence, especially within Christian circles. I find myself still naming the things I 'do' (in terms of ministry) when I meet with someone I haven't caught up with for some time and am asked "How are things?" I guess it is always the 'mask' of "worthiness" that one as a habit puts on.......it is difficult to answer as a "be - ing" person rather than a "do-ing" person. Pretty much so, as I am also going through the "almost grown up kids" transition that means they still need a housekeeper but they are hardly around...and so neither am I fully "empty nest" yet. Need to perhaps convince my own self, more than others, of what my roles are, of what my "devotion" to God looks like at this point!! Many, many role adjustments in the next few years...and having no full time job is another factor.

I guess nowadays it is not really our desire to "show off" our piety before others - not to the extent of "prideful display" as some of the religious leaders in Jesus' time were doing. It is more the need to "justify" our participation in service - both in prayer as in outward forms, and not simply to be "pew warmers". But as the Lord reminds us, it isn't important to do that - and that it is enough for him to be the true witness of our motivations and actions. The sure reward will be granted - that of loving communion with God - the truest and deepest desire of our hearts.

I just started some spring cleaning .....and the first area to be unloaded was my book collection....it was really terrible to notice what I've collected over the years. The last large scale spring clean was more than 5 years ago. Anyway, over the past few days, I have given away many, many books that have served me well before and that I should share with others (long overdue). Better late than never. And the lesson is being learned as well - that in future I should not wait so long to "fast" from excesses, and to "give away" to others - of course, as inconspicuously and anonymously as possible!!