Living Righteously: Unveiling the Spiritual Treasures of Matthew 6

Executive Summary ✨

Matthew 6, a cornerstone of the Sermon on the Mount, delves into the heart of authentic Christian living. It’s not merely about outward performance but the inward motivation behind our acts of piety. Jesus cautions against practicing righteousness – almsgiving, prayer, and fasting – for the sake of human praise. Instead, He urges us to cultivate a sincere relationship with God, seeking His reward alone. The chapter then transitions to the dangers of earthly treasures, emphasizing the supremacy of seeking God’s kingdom and trusting in His providence. “Living Righteously,” as Matthew 6 teaches us, involves prioritizing spiritual riches over material possessions and cultivating a heart wholly devoted to God. This demands constant self-examination and a rejection of hypocrisy, inviting us to a life of genuine worship and unwavering faith, a life that reflects the true essence of our Coptic Orthodox heritage.

Matthew 6, often referred to as “Living Righteously,” is a transformative chapter within the Gospel according to Saint Matthew. It reveals Jesus’ teachings on almsgiving, prayer, fasting, and the pursuit of true treasure. He warns against the dangers of seeking validation from others and instead calls for a deep, personal relationship with God, rooted in sincerity and humility. This chapter serves as a profound guide for Christians striving to live a life pleasing to God, rather than one centered on worldly approval.

Commentary on Matthew 6

Matthew 6:1 – Avoiding Hypocrisy

Greek: Προσέχετε δὲ τὴν ἐλεημοσύνην ὑμῶν μὴ ποιεῖν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων πρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι αὐτοῖς· εἰ δὲ μήγε, μισθὸν οὐκ ἔχετε παρὰ τῷ πατρὶ ὑμῶν τῷ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς.

English: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

Jesus begins by addressing the temptation of practicing piety for the sake of human approval. He uses the word “ἐλεημοσύνην” (eleēmosynēn), meaning almsgiving, as a representative example of righteous acts. The danger lies in the motive: is it to glorify God or to bask in the praise of others? St. Basil the Great, in his homilies, often emphasized the importance of performing good deeds with a pure heart, free from vainglory. “τὸ γὰρ δοῦναι μὴ δῶρον, ἀλλὰ φιλοτιμία” (to gar dounai mē dōron, alla philotimia) – “For to give is not a gift, but self-love,” if done for the wrong reasons (Basil the Great, *Homilia in Lucam*, 12). Spiritually, we must consider whether our actions stem from a desire to imitate Christ, or from a lust for recognition.

Spiritual Application: Reflect on your acts of kindness. Are they driven by a genuine desire to help others or by a need for validation? Strive for anonymity in your good deeds, allowing God alone to witness your sincerity. Avoid “playing the trumpet,” figuratively, when you do good.

Matthew 6:2-4 – Almsgiving in Secret

Greek: Ὅταν οὖν ποιῇς ἐλεημοσύνην, μὴ σαλπίσῃς ἔμπροσθέν σου, ὥσπερ οἱ ὑποκριταὶ ποιοῦσιν ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς καὶ ἐν ταῖς ῥύμαις, ὅπως δοξασθῶσιν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀπέχουσιν τὸν μισθὸν αὐτῶν. Σοῦ δὲ ποιοῦντος ἐλεημοσύνην μὴ γνώτω ἡ ἀριστερά σου τί ποιεῖ ἡ δεξιά σου, ὅπως ᾖ σου ἡ ἐλεημοσύνη ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ· καὶ ὁ πατήρ σου ὁ βλέπων ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ ἀποδώσει σοι ἐν τῷ φανερῷ.

English: “Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 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.”

Jesus contrasts the actions of “οἱ ὑποκριταὶ” (hoi hypokritai) – the hypocrites – with the authentic Christian. The term “hypocrite” comes from the Greek word for an actor, someone who wears a mask. Their reward is the fleeting praise of men, which is, in essence, their *entire* reward. He uses hyperbole: “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” emphasizing the desire for absolute secrecy. The Father, who sees in secret, will reward openly. This isn’t a promise of material wealth, but rather of spiritual fulfillment and eternal recognition. The desert Fathers often retreated into solitude to avoid such temptations. As Abba Poemen said, “φύγε τὸν θόρυβον καὶ εὑρήσεις τὴν ἡσυχίαν” (Phyge ton thorubon kai heurēseis tēn hēsychian) – “Flee from noise and you will find peace” ( *Apophthegmata Patrum*, Poemen 1). Fleeing from the noise of public recognition allows for inner peace and authentic worship.

Spiritual Application: Practice giving generously and discreetly. Avoid seeking attention for your charitable acts. Focus on the inner joy of helping others and the reward that comes from pleasing God. Give anonymously through organizations like a donation to a church if you struggle with seeking recognition. Consider volunteering your time in a behind-the-scenes role.

Matthew 6:5-6 – The Importance of Private Prayer

Greek: Καὶ ὅταν προσεύχῃ, οὐκ ἔσῃ ὡς οἱ ὑποκριταί, ὅτι ἀγαπῶσιν ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς καὶ ἐν ταῖς γωνίαις τῶν πλατειῶν ἑστῶτες προσεύχεσθαι, ὅπως φανῶσιν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀπέχουσιν τὸν μισθὸν αὐτῶν. Σὺ δὲ ὅταν προσεύχῃ, εἴσελθε εἰς τὸ ταμεῖόν σου καὶ κλείσας τὴν θύραν σου πρόσευξαι τῷ πατρί σου τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ· καὶ ὁ πατήρ σου ὁ βλέπων ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ ἀποδώσει σοι ἐν τῷ φανερῷ.

English: “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 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.”

Jesus contrasts the hypocrites’ ostentatious prayers in public spaces with the intimate and private prayer life of a true disciple. He advises going into “τὸ ταμεῖόν σου” (to tameion sou) – your room or inner chamber – to pray in secret. This doesn’t forbid public prayer, but rather emphasizes the necessity of private communion with God. St. John Chrysostom, a renowned preacher, noted the importance of having a consistent prayer life, uninfluenced by the gaze of others. He wrote, “Μηδεὶς ἄρα κομπάζῃ ἐπὶ τῇ προσευχῇ, ἀλλὰ σιωπῇ καὶ ἐν κρυπτῷ τὸν Θεὸν ἱκετεύει” (Mēdeis ara kompazē epi tē proseuchē, alla siōpē kai en kryptō ton Theon hiketeuei) – “Let no one boast about prayer, but in silence and in secret, let him entreat God” (John Chrysostom, *Homiliae in Matthaeum*, 19.2). This speaks to the power of quiet, sincere devotion.

Spiritual Application: Establish a regular prayer time and place, free from distractions. Focus on cultivating a personal relationship with God, rather than impressing others with your eloquence or piety. Experience the intimacy of praying in secret, knowing that God hears and rewards sincerity.

Matthew 6:7-8 – Avoiding Vain Repetitions

Greek: Προσευχόμενοι δὲ μὴ βατταλογήσητε ὥσπερ οἱ ἐθνικοί, δοκοῦσιν γὰρ ὅτι ἐν τῇ πολυλογίᾳ αὐτῶν εἰσακουσθήσονται. Μὴ οὖν ὁμοιωθῆτε αὐτοῖς, οἶδεν γὰρ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὧν χρείαν ἔχετε πρὸ τοῦ ὑμᾶς αἰτῆσαι αὐτόν.

English: “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

Jesus discourages “βατταλογήσητε” (battalogēsēte) – vain repetitions – like the Gentiles (οἱ ἐθνικοί). He emphasizes that prayer is not about manipulating God through the sheer volume of words but about connecting with Him in faith and sincerity. God already knows our needs “πρὸ τοῦ ὑμᾶς αἰτῆσαι αὐτόν” (pro tou hymas aitēsai auton) – before we even ask Him. This echoes the understanding that prayer is fundamentally about aligning our will with God’s, not merely listing our desires. The Coptic Orthodox tradition emphasizes the importance of heartfelt supplication, even when using established prayers.

Spiritual Application: Approach prayer with sincerity and humility. Avoid empty phrases and rote recitations. Focus on expressing your needs and desires honestly, while trusting in God’s wisdom and provision. Remember that God knows your needs even before you ask, and that prayer is about communion, not coercion.

Matthew 6:9-13 – The Lord’s Prayer

Greek: Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς· ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου· ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου· γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου, ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς· τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον δὸς ἡμῖν σήμερον· καὶ ἄφες ἡμῖν τὰ ὀφειλήματα ἡμῶν, ὡς καὶ ἡμεῖς ἀφίεμεν τοῖς ὀφειλέταις ἡμῶν· καὶ μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν, ἀλλὰ ῥῦσαι ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ· ὅτι σοῦ ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία καὶ ἡ δύναμις καὶ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας· ἀμήν.

English: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

The Lord’s Prayer, a masterpiece of concise spirituality, encapsulates the essence of our relationship with God. It begins with recognizing God as our “Πάτερ” (Patēr) – Father – emphasizing intimacy and sonship. The subsequent petitions – hallowing His name, seeking His kingdom, aligning with His will – prioritize God’s glory above our own desires. “Τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον” (ton arton hēmōn ton epiousion) – our daily bread – asks for sustenance, both physical and spiritual. The plea for forgiveness is intrinsically linked to our willingness to forgive others. Finally, we ask for protection from temptation and deliverance from the “πονηροῦ” (ponērou) – the evil one. The concluding doxology affirms God’s eternal reign and glory. It’s interesting to note the ecological wisdom of the prayer – it doesn’t ask for abundance or leftovers, just what we need for today. What a concept in a world that encourages hoarding!

Spiritual Application: Pray the Lord’s Prayer with understanding and intention. Reflect on each petition and its implications for your life. Allow it to shape your desires and actions, guiding you towards a deeper relationship with God and a more compassionate heart.

Matthew 6:14-15 – Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Greek: Ἐὰν γὰρ ἀφῆτε τοῖς ἀνθρώποις τὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν, ἀφήσει καὶ ὑμῖν ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος· ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ἀφῆτε τοῖς ἀνθρώποις τὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν, οὐδὲ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ἀφήσει τὰ παραπτώματα ὑμῶν.

English: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Jesus emphasizes the crucial link between our forgiveness of others and God’s forgiveness of us. “τὰ παραπτώματα” (ta paraptōmata) refers to trespasses or offenses. Forgiveness isn’t merely a feeling; it’s a conscious choice to release bitterness and resentment. This teaching underscores the importance of reconciliation within the Christian community. As St. Macarius the Great said, “Ἄφες, ἵνα ἀφεθῇς” (Aphes, hina aphethēs) – “Forgive, that you may be forgiven” (*Homiliae Spirituales*, 11.3). The act of forgiveness opens our hearts to receive God’s grace. Forgiveness can feel impossible, but is a spiritual necessity.

Spiritual Application: Examine your heart for any unresolved anger or resentment. Seek to forgive those who have wronged you, even if it is difficult. Remember that forgiveness is a process, and God will help you to release bitterness and embrace reconciliation.

Matthew 6:16-18 – Fasting in Secret

Greek: Ὅταν δὲ νηστεύητε, μὴ γίνεσθε ὡς οἱ ὑποκριταὶ σκυθρωποί· ἀφανίζουσιν γὰρ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν, ὅπως φανῶσιν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις νηστεύοντες· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀπέχουσιν τὸν μισθὸν αὐτῶν. Σὺ δὲ νηστεύων ἄλειψαί σου τὴν κεφαλὴν καὶ τὸ πρόσωπόν σου νίψαι, ὅπως μὴ φανῇς τοῖς ἀνθρώποις νηστεύων, ἀλλὰ τῷ πατρί σου τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ· καὶ ὁ πατήρ σου ὁ βλέπων ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ ἀποδώσει σοι ἐν τῷ φανερῷ.

English: “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 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.”

Jesus addresses the practice of fasting, cautioning against outward displays of piety. “νηστεύητε” (nēsteuēte) – when you fast – presupposes that fasting is a regular practice for His followers. He criticizes those who “ἀφανίζουσιν γὰρ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν” (aphanizousin gar ta prosōpa autōn) – disfigure their faces – to appear ascetic. Instead, He advises anointing the head and washing the face, presenting a normal appearance while fasting privately before God. Fasting in the Coptic Orthodox tradition isn’t merely about abstaining from food but also about dedicating time to prayer and spiritual reflection. The goal is to deepen our relationship with God, not to impress others with our self-discipline. The practice also has environmental benefits, reducing food consumption!

Spiritual Application: Practice fasting with sincerity and humility. Avoid drawing attention to your fast. Use the time you would normally spend eating to pray, read scripture, or serve others. Focus on deepening your relationship with God and purifying your heart.

Matthew 6:19-21 – Treasures in Heaven

Greek: Μὴ θησαυρίζετε ὑμῖν θησαυροὺς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ὅπου σὴς καὶ βρῶσις ἀφανίζει, καὶ ὅπου κλέπται διορύσσουσιν καὶ κλέπτουσιν· θησαυρίζετε δὲ ὑμῖν θησαυροὺς ἐν οὐρανῷ, ὅπου οὔτε σὴς οὔτε βρῶσις ἀφανίζει, καὶ ὅπου κλέπται οὐ διορύσσουσιν οὔτε κλέπτουσιν. Ὅπου γάρ ἐστιν ὁ θησαυρός σου, ἐκεῖ ἔσται καὶ ἡ καρδία σου.

English: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Jesus transitions to the topic of treasures, warning against accumulating earthly wealth (“θησαυροὺς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς” – thēsaurous epi tēs gēs) which are subject to decay and theft. Instead, He urges us to invest in heavenly treasures (“θησαυροὺς ἐν οὐρανῷ” – thēsaurous en ouranō) which are eternal and secure. The core message is that our priorities reveal our true affections: “Ὅπου γάρ ἐστιν ὁ θησαυρός σου, ἐκεῖ ἔσται καὶ ἡ καρδία σου” (Hopou gar estin ho thēsauros sou, ekei estai kai hē kardia sou) – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The desert Fathers, who renounced worldly possessions, exemplified this principle. Their focus on spiritual growth led to a life of profound joy and peace. The Dead Sea Scrolls have provided archeological examples of the decaying nature of earthly treasures, and how the value of the artifacts is only for scholars.

Spiritual Application: Examine your priorities and spending habits. Are you more focused on accumulating wealth or on investing in spiritual growth and acts of charity? Shift your focus towards seeking heavenly treasures, such as love, compassion, and faith. Use your resources to serve God and others.

Matthew 6:22-23 – The Lamp of the Body

Greek: Ὁ λύχνος τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν ὁ ὀφθαλμός· ἐὰν οὖν ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ἁπλοῦς ᾖ, ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου φωτεινὸν ἔσται· ἐὰν δὲ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου πονηρὸς ᾖ, ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου σκοτεινὸν ἔσται. εἰ οὖν τὸ φῶς τὸ ἐν σοὶ σκότος ἐστίν, τὸ σκότος πόσον;

English: “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

Jesus uses the analogy of the eye as the lamp of the body. “ὁ ὀφθαλμός” (ho ophthalmos) represents our inner vision or perspective. A “ἁπλοῦς” (haplous) – good or single – eye is focused on God, resulting in a life filled with light. A “πονηρὸς” (ponēros) – bad or evil – eye is consumed by selfish desires, leading to spiritual darkness. This highlights the importance of maintaining a pure and focused heart. St. Gregory of Nyssa emphasized the importance of purifying our inner vision to perceive God’s presence in all things. The eye is not literal in this sense, but is a symbol of how we perceive the world and what values we cherish.

Spiritual Application: Guard your thoughts and intentions. Cultivate a pure and focused heart, free from selfish desires and worldly distractions. Seek to see the world through the lens of faith and love, allowing God’s light to illuminate your life.

Matthew 6:24 – Serving Two Masters

Greek: Οὐδεὶς δύναται δυσὶ κυρίοις δουλεύειν· ἢ γὰρ τὸν ἕνα μισήσει καὶ τὸν ἕτερον ἀγαπήσει, ἢ ἑνὸς ἀνθέξεται καὶ τοῦ ἑτέρου καταφρονήσει. οὐ δύνασθε θεῷ δουλεύειν καὶ μαμωνᾷ.

English: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

Jesus states unequivocally that we cannot serve both God and “μαμωνᾷ” (mammona) – wealth or material possessions. He emphasizes the impossibility of divided loyalty. One master will inevitably be loved and the other hated, or one upheld and the other despised. The choice is clear: we must choose between God and material wealth as our ultimate priority. The Coptic Orthodox Church has consistently taught the dangers of materialism and the importance of prioritizing spiritual values. If the “master” is not God, then it will fail you.

Spiritual Application: Examine your loyalties. Are you more devoted to God or to material possessions? Make a conscious choice to prioritize God above all else. Simplify your life, reduce your attachment to material things, and focus on serving God with your whole heart.

Matthew 6:25-34 – Do Not Worry

Greek: Διὰ τοῦτο λέγω ὑμῖν, μὴ μεριμνᾶτε τῇ ψυχῇ ὑμῶν τί φάγητε ἢ τί πίητε, μηδὲ τῷ σώματι ὑμῶν τί ἐνδύσησθε. οὐχὶ ἡ ψυχὴ πλεῖόν ἐστιν τῆς τροφῆς καὶ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ ἐνδύματος; ἐμβλέψατε εἰς τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ, ὅτι οὐ σπείρουσιν οὐδὲ θερίζουσιν οὐδὲ συνάγουσιν εἰς ἀποθήκας, καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος τρέφει αὐτά· οὐχ ὑμεῖς μᾶλλον διαφέρετε αὐτῶν; τίς δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν μεριμνῶν δύναται προσθεῖναι ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλικίαν αὐτοῦ πῆχυν ἕνα; καὶ περὶ ἐνδύματος τί μεριμνᾶτε; καταμάθετε τὰ κρίνα τοῦ ἀγροῦ πῶς αὐξάνουσιν· οὐ κοπιῶσιν οὐδὲ νήθουσιν· λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν ὅτι οὐδὲ Σολομὼν ἐν πάσῃ τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ περιεβάλετο ὡς ἓν τούτων. εἰ δὲ τὸν χόρτον τοῦ ἀγροῦ σήμερον ὄντα καὶ αὔριον εἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον ὁ θεὸς οὕτως ἀμφιέννυσιν, οὐ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ὑμᾶς, ὀλιγόπιστοι; μὴ οὖν μεριμνήσητε λέγοντες· τί φάγωμεν ἢ τί πίωμεν ἢ τί περιβαλώμεθα; πάντα γὰρ ταῦτα τὰ ἔθνη ἐπιζητοῦσιν· οἶδεν γὰρ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος ὅτι χρῄζετε τούτων ἁπάντων. ζητεῖτε δὲ πρῶτον τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ τὴν δικαιοσύνην αὐτοῦ, καὶ ταῦτα πάντα προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν. μὴ οὖν μεριμνήσητε εἰς τὴν αὔριον, ἡ γὰρ αὔριον μεριμνήσει τὰ ἑαυτῆς· ἀρκετὸν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἡ κακία αὐτῆς.

English: “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

This extended passage addresses anxiety and worry, urging us to trust in God’s providence. “μὴ μεριμνᾶτε” (mē merimnate) – do not worry – is a repeated command. Jesus uses the examples of birds and lilies to illustrate God’s care for creation. He emphasizes that we are of far greater value to God. “ζητεῖτε δὲ πρῶτον τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ” (zēteite de prōton tēn basileian tou theou) – seek first the kingdom of God – is the key to overcoming anxiety. By prioritizing God’s kingdom and His righteousness, we can trust that He will provide for our needs. This echoes the importance of surrendering our anxieties to God, a common theme in Coptic Orthodox spirituality. The passage also emphasizes the wisdom of living in the present moment. Tomorrow has enough problems of its own, so focus on dealing with today!

Spiritual Application: Practice trusting in God’s provision. Release your anxieties to Him and focus on seeking His kingdom and righteousness. Cultivate gratitude for the blessings you already have. Live in the present moment, trusting that God will provide for your needs each day. Engage in eco-friendly activities and reduce resource consumption to lessen worry about having enough.

Subtopic: The Pursuit of True Treasure

This section of Matthew 6 compels us to re-evaluate our understanding of wealth and security. It’s not about dismissing the need for material provision, but about understanding its proper place in our lives. True treasure lies not in what we accumulate, but in our relationship with God and our service to others.

• Focus on Spiritual Growth: Prioritize activities that nurture your relationship with God, such as prayer, scripture reading, and acts of service.
• Practice Generosity: Share your resources with those in need, recognizing that everything you have is a gift from God.
• Cultivate Contentment: Learn to be content with what you have, rather than constantly striving for more.
• Embrace Simplicity: Simplify your life by decluttering your possessions and focusing on what truly matters.
• Serve Others: Use your time, talents, and resources to serve others, reflecting the love of Christ.
• Eternal Perspective: Remember that earthly possessions are temporary, while heavenly treasures are eternal.

FAQ ❓

Q: How do I balance the need to provide for my family with the warning against accumulating earthly treasures?

A: It is important to provide for your family’s needs, but strive to do so without making wealth your primary focus. Prioritize spiritual values, practice generosity, and teach your children the importance of seeking God’s kingdom above all else. Trust that God will provide for your needs as you seek to honor Him in your life and work.

Q: What does it mean to “seek first the kingdom of God”?

A: Seeking first the kingdom of God means prioritizing God’s will and purposes in every aspect of your life. It involves aligning your thoughts, desires, and actions with His teachings, and striving to live a life that reflects His love and righteousness. It is about making God the center of your life.

Q: Is it wrong to have wealth?

A: Wealth in itself is not inherently wrong, but the love of wealth and the pursuit of it above God is. Matthew 6 encourages us to use our resources wisely and generously, and to avoid becoming attached to material possessions. The key is to maintain a proper perspective and to prioritize spiritual values.

Q: How can I overcome anxiety and worry in my life?

A: Overcoming anxiety requires a conscious effort to trust in God’s provision and to focus on seeking His kingdom. Practice prayer, meditation on scripture, and acts of service. Release your anxieties to God and trust that He will provide for your needs. Remember that God loves you and cares for you deeply, so trust in Him.

Conclusion

Matthew 6 offers a profound guide to “Living Righteously” – a life characterized by sincerity, humility, and unwavering faith. It challenges us to examine the motivations behind our acts of piety, ensuring that they stem from a genuine love for God rather than a desire for human approval. The chapter’s teachings on prayer, fasting, and the pursuit of treasure call us to prioritize spiritual riches over material possessions, cultivating a heart wholly devoted to God. Ultimately, Matthew 6 invites us to embrace a life of authentic worship and unwavering trust, a life that reflects the true essence of our Coptic Orthodox heritage. Remember, true reward comes from God alone, and “Living Righteously” is a continuous journey of aligning our hearts with His divine will.

Tags

Matthew 6, Sermon on the Mount, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, treasures in heaven, hypocrisy, Coptic Orthodox, spiritual growth, trust in God

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Explore Matthew 6’s timeless teachings on prayer, fasting, and treasures. Discover how to live righteously, avoid hypocrisy, and prioritize spiritual growth, in alignment with Coptic Orthodox faith.