What Is God’s Purpose for My Life? The Sermon on the MountSample

Day 5: Motivation Matters

In previous days, we’ve seen the kind of character we’re required to exemplify if we want to receive God’s blessing. We’ve also seen a deep understanding of the Old Testament, one that requires righteousness beyond the self-reliant, works-based interpretation of the religious leaders.

But how can we gauge whether our hearts are aligned with God’s? Are we storing up approval here on earth or treasure in heaven? And if we build up treasures in heaven, is that enough to align our will with the Lord?

Matthew 6:1 shows that our motivation is crucial for understanding Christ's teachings in the verses that follow. It is not wrong to be seen when following God's will or serving him. After all, Jesus was quite clear in chapter 5 that a key component of being his disciples would mean being a light for the world and a city on a hill.

Instead, both in Matthew 5:16 and in these passages in chapter 6, he makes clear that such attention only becomes an issue when it becomes our focus.

Most offerings in the first century were given at the synagogue, temple, or another public location. Giving these alms in secret was not really an option. However, because the area was usually crowded with others giving their tithes as well, you were not likely to stand out unless you made a show of your giving.

Ask God to show you where and how to give. Is your service and generosity to be seen by others or to lift the Lord high?

Jesus’ same emphasis on intent is seen with prayer and fasting as well. The hypocrites were those who performed religious acts for the attention and admiration of other people rather than as an act of worship to the Lord. And the larger context of his sermon leaves little doubt as to who these religious performers were in the first century. Their hypocrisy was seen most clearly when it came to fasting. The Pharisees often put ash and dirt on their faces when fasting; some even wore makeup to make themselves look more haggardly.

Finally, Jesus discusses money. Jesus teaches that we must choose whether our material possessions will serve God or whether we will try to use God to serve ourselves. It is a binary choice and one that each of us must actively make every day. While we should never expect that interest to manifest in material gains—though there are times when God can choose to bless us in that fashion—we can trust that it will be more than worth whatever it costs to attain.

Pray that the Lord would convict you where your heart leads you to people-please. What things might lead you to store treasure on earth rather than in heaven? Even if you don’t fast or pray for the approval of others, what other “religious” thing might you do for attention rather than God’s glory?

Are you accumulating material wealth for its own sake? Or are you stewarding your possessions for his glory? Consider where your money goes and where your heart goes along with it.

Pray for God to reorient your heart to the right motives: his glory and love of others.