Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4, 16-24
In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches about three key spiritual disciplines: giving, praying, and fasting. Each of these disciplines is meant to shape our hearts and align us with God’s kingdom. But they also reveal something deeper—our true affections and priorities.
Jesus begins by instructing His followers on how to give:
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:3-4)
Giving is not just about meeting needs; it’s about the condition of our hearts. The way we handle money reveals what we truly serve. Later in this chapter, Jesus makes a bold statement:
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)
Jesus is clear—our allegiance cannot be divided. Money is a powerful tool, but it can also become a master. The ultimate test of whether we serve money is our willingness to give it away. If we cling to money, fearful of letting go, it may be that money has a greater hold on us than we realize.
Fasting, like giving, is another discipline that reveals what controls us. Jesus says:
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:16)
Fasting detaches us from physical dependence, reminding us that God alone is our provider. In the same way, giving detaches us from material dependence. When we give sacrificially, we declare that money is not our security—God is.
If we struggle to give, it may be that money has too much control over our hearts. But if we give freely, regardless of how much or how little we have, we demonstrate that our trust is in God alone.
Heavenly Father, search my heart and reveal any place where money has become my master. Help me to trust You as my provider, to give freely, and to live with an open hand. Teach me to fast and give in a way that draws me closer to You, so that my heart is fully devoted to serving You alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.
