Devotion - Thursday, October 8

"Beware of practicing your piety before others...."  These words are recorded in Matthew 6, and serve as the appointed text for Ash Wednesday.  As we read more of the chapter, we may come to understand what "piety" means, but it is one of those church words we use without really defining it or talking about it.

"Piety" is a reference to way one lives out their response to God.  I mentioned earlier this week that my piety is often shown in my acts of service to others.  In Matthew 6, other expressions of piety mentioned are praying, giving alms, and fasting.  

It is helpful to reflect on one's piety.  Not merely to avoid the pitfalls spoken of in Matthew 6.  Self-reflection allows us to become aware.  We might discover that our expressions of piety differ from even our most trusted fellow believers.  Such a discovery will help us understand why we fall asleep during extended periods of meditation (which is an expression of piety preferred by some), or why merely feeding the poor doesn't satisfy our desire to speak the name of Jesus (an often repeated and appropriate challenge to those who make service their expression of piety.)  You need to find your most comfortable response to God - and go there.

Jesus' concern in Matthew 6 are those whose piety is for show, and not rooted in a desire to strengthen their devotion to God.  Putting on  a show also happens when we force ourselves to follow the piety of others.  God has made each of to be individuals and God celebrates our individuality.  Individuals differ,and so will their piety.