Practice Secret Disciplines

"But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly….But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly….But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."

Matthew 6:3-4,6,17-18

There are Three key words I would like to point out.

DISCIPLINE:

The definition of discipline is a method of practice, something YOU discipline YOURSELF to do on a REGULAR basis. Habit. A correction or regulation of ONESELF for the sake of improvement.

Discipline is something that helps us be successful. For example, The discipline of getting up in the morning helps us have a diligent day. The discipline of practicing an instrument day after day causes us to become better at that instrument.

SECRET:

One of God's names is El Roi - the God who sees. As the passage above mentions over and over again, God is the one who sees in secret. God sees everything, man only sees what is in the open. The fact that we are giving, praying, and fasting in secret gives all glory to God and HELPS with our pride.

It all comes down to our motives. Here's a good question to ask yourself. When I give, do I do it so that men will praise me, or do I do it only for the eyes of God?

It also comes down to who we are serving. Who are you serving when you give? Is it God or yourself? You can't serve God and self at the same time.

REWARD:

Discipline isn't always fun but it helps to remember that our reward will come from God.

"But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!"

2 Chronicles 15:7

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ"

Colossians 3:23-24

Practicing Secret Disciplines is a command and must be obeyed. Don't shy away from this command, but instead, realize that this is to help us be successful. Since it is for our benefit, how can we be proactive and start obeying this command today?