Jesus invites His followers to cultivate what we might call “holy habits,” spiritual disciplines that shape us from the inside out. In Matthew 6, He shifts His focus from external behaviors to internal motivations. These practices only please God when our motives are right.
Jesus outlines three core habits: giving, praying, and fasting. Notice how He says, “When you give… when you pray… when you fast…”— not if. In other words, these acts aren’t optional; they’re expected of anyone who follows Him. But there’s a catch: we must not do them for attention or praise. Jesus emphasizes doing them in secret, with humility. “Your Father who sees in secret,” He says, “will reward you openly.”
When it comes to giving, Jesus warns against showy generosity. Don’t announce it with trumpets or seek recognition. Quiet, faithful giving to those in need reflects the generous heart of God. Prayer, too, isn’t about impressing others with flowery words.
Jesus calls us to pray privately, sincerely, and simply, connecting our hearts to our heavenly Father who already knows our needs. The Lord’s Prayer offers a model: praise, submission, trust, confession, and protection. It’s a conversation, not a performance.
Fasting, often misunderstood or ignored, is a powerful discipline of focus. It’s not about punishing ourselves but about clearing space to hear from God. Whether we fast from food, distractions, or anything else that competes for our attention, it’s a time to reset spiritually. As the early Puritans put it, fasting is “soul fattening.” Jesus again reminds us: Don’t make a show of it. Wash your face. Look normal. Seek God in secret.
What ties these three habits together is the heart behind them. The question is not just what we’re doing, but why. Jesus calls us to examine our motivations. Are we serving others to be seen—or because we love the Father? Are we praying to impress people—or to grow closer to God? Are we fasting to appear spiritual— or to truly seek His will?
These habits, done with the right heart, will be rewarded by God. Not necessarily with applause or riches, but with a deeper walk, clearer purpose, and stronger faith.
At LECC, we’re learning to practice these habits with humble hearts. You’re welcome to grow with us at 415897 Highway 9, Eufaula, on Sundays for small group Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m., or Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. for all-age activities.
No trumpet blasts required, just bring a heart ready to grow some holy habits with real people who love Jesus.
