But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
6 times in this chapter Matthew uses the ‘R’ word. He says to give, pray and fast. However, if they’re done with a prideful heart, you’ve already received your reward. He’s asking the question, are you doing these things as a show for others to see? Or are you doing them truly because you have your heart in the right place.
The promise is that you will receive a reward. Everyone wants a reward! There are rewards programs for everything today, but it doesn’t matter what your heart is like. You can have any bad attitude, and you’ll still be rewarded. However, God he looks to the heart. He is Spirit, and he looks at our spirit.
Our rewards can be either on earth, or in heaven. I love and welcome the rewards here; an abundant life on earth, but it’s a great revelation to know we’re storing up treasures in heaven. We’ll spend a lot more time there, than here! Christianity has a great life insurance plan, the benefits are eternal, and out of this world!
Father, I recommit myself to the basics, to prayer and ministry of the Word. I’m grateful for your reward program; it’s by far the best one I’ve joined. Forgive me for chasing after worldly things. I will seek first your kingdom today! For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
