Scripture: Ps 83; 2 Kings 9:1-16; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; Matthew 6:1-6,16-18
Scripture standout: 1 Corinthians 6: "19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
Matthew 6: "2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
His Deed/The Day: So this is the passage that almost prohibited me from starting this little experiment before Lent. I totally get this — deeds should just be done. There is no need to proclaim them. God knows, and that's all that matters. For me, this experience has been a way to get in the habit of being actively connected to God — to establish some routine that will help me be more aware of ways I can reach out to others in a more "deedly" way. Sharing it has been a way to keep me accountable this year — and maybe help others to think in the same terms. I guess the bottom line is, I do not share to be honored by others or to be announced by trumpets. But to keep myself on track, at least through this challenge. I'm not seeking any reward in full, but just some tangible memories of how my eyes were opened to others when I put my focus on a better relationship with God.
Today I took a close family member to lunch. Why not pick be the one who raises a hand and says, "I'd like to get that"? Why not pick up the tab?
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