Scripture: Matthew 6: 1-18
McLaren takes us into these verses with the observation that Jesus is inviting us into practices, “disciplines,” which may feel beyond our ability. However, he observes, that not many of us without training could walk a marathon, however with training, and enough time, we could master it, as many people have proven. So, practice makes a habit that can change our lives. Once we are changed, the world can be changed.
“Jesus shows us how to be the change we want to see in the world,” McLaren notes (p 136).
These disciplines in the area of giving, fasting and praying are to be practiced in secret, in other words practiced not in order to be seen by others but to be seen by God, so that the blessing may be experienced in the open. Jesus is all about changing us. What he sees being done are “spiritual practices” which are more for show and for applause than they are for connection with God.
He summarizes the Lord’s Prayer as four movements like this: First, we orient ourselves toward God. Second, we align our greatest desire with God’s greatest desire. Third, we bring to God our needs and concerns. Finally, we prepare ourselves for the public world into which we will soon re-enter.
As you think of the Lord’s Prayer can you see these movements in it? How do you respond to this summary?
McLaren ends this chapter with this observation: “The world won’t change unless we change, and we won’t change unless we pull away from the world’s games and pressures. In secrecy, in solitude, in God’s presence, a new aliveness can, like a seed, begin to take root. And if that life takes root in us, we can be sure it will bear fruit through us...fruit that can change the world ” (p. 139).
This last line: “The world won’t change unless we change, and we won’t change unless we pull away…” for me really states the reality of the calling upon us here. It is a necessity to draw away. This morning even I was feeling a need for more of God’s Word flowing through my life so I listened to the first 10 psalms en route for a meeting. By the time I arrived, a new perspective had dawned upon me. It was like the Word itself had washed over me. It is incredible to me that change actually happens in secret, within, in our hearts as we open up and allow God to impact us through Word, song, silence, prayer, action. God works within us. Sometimes what I know is the toughest thing to actually “do.” This week, how about if you simply open up and let God’s Word flow over and through you. This week, how about if you pull away and practice silence for a season. This week, give in secret to some need and watch what God does.
This happened decades ago, but we received $50 in the mail. The enclosed note simply said, “God told me to send this to you, but not tell you who it was from. Love, Jesus.” It was a typed note. No chance to recognize the handwriting. But the gift, the surprise, the $50 in an era when that would buy two week’s worth of groceries was immense. And we had need. And God had prompted a friend (we eventually discovered the angel in disguise) to touch our lives with a gift in secret. It was such a blessing. Be the change.
Share a story about a time you did something good -- but for a less-than-ideal motive. What happened?
Decide whether you’d like to experiment with giving to the poor, fasting or praying in secret. But don’t tell anyone!