Matthew 6 reminds me of gymnasts. Growing up with siblings that were part of the sport turned my back yard into a circus performance at times. A favorite activity was jumping off the peak of the garage into the canal below. I marveled at the ability to flip and land correctly, somehow knowing where they were in mid-air. The second half of the chapter focuses on maintaining balance between extremes. We begin with the final form of worship, Fasting. Jesus says, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting“. Fasting is a temporary abstinence to help focus. Most often it is associated with Food and Prayer. The hunger reminds us to lift up a situation continuously through the day. It can be very personal. Jesus added “wash your face” so it would “not be obvious to others“, in other words, if you look miserable, you have missed the point. Fellowship with God brings joy and that is what others should see.
His Sermon continues with a universal topic, wealth. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal“. People twist this subject by excluding the balance, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven“. A wise man once said, “show me your checkbook and I will show you your priorities” because, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also“. There is nothing pious in poverty through squander. Luke 16:10 says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much“. I think the next verse emphasizes the correct perspective on how we view wealth, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light“. Everything I have comes from God, and I have only temporary stewardship over them. “You cannot serve both God and money.” Do you honor God with your resources?
The chapter ends with Jesus teaching on worry, “do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear“. Here is another topic that is turned up-side down. He uses birds and flowers as examples and some take this to mean we can just sit back and let someone else feed and clothe us. Do not overlook the fact that flowers are firmly planted, and birds must build their nests. He is saying do not worry, but He is not saying you do not need to work. “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” His point is that worry distracts and prevents us from doing what is important right now. Friend, do you worry what others will think? Worrying about others can prevent faithfulness to God. Some never leave the roof at all. He calls the stalled saints “you of little faith“. And He gives us a new orientation, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well“. The key to a great dive is a great landing. Those that get out of balance often make a big painful splash. Is life tumbling out of control? Look at the cross, the vertical beam orients us to God, and the horizontal to those around us. Maybe that is why He was born in a stable? There is still time to get things straight and stick the landing.