Matthew 6
As I read this chapter my heart was turned toward heaven. Let me show you why as we move through this chapter. The first item addressed is that we do not practice our righteousness before men. In other words, we should not just be performing our good deeds, which in this chapter are giving, prayer, and fasting so others may see. We must recognize that God is the only one who sees our heart and is able to weigh the motives of our heart accurately. I believe that we can even deceive ourselves into believing that we never practice our righteousness before men, when the truth is we do.
Therefore, when my heart is truly turned toward heaven then I will pray in a way that is not seen before men even when men may be present.
When my heart is truly turned toward heaven then I will give in a way that is not seen before men even when men may notice or be the recipients of the giving.
When my heart is truly turned toward heaven then I will fast in such a way that is not seen before men even when others may observe that I have chosen not to eat.
Again, if my heart is turned toward heaven, it is a result of laying up treasures in heaven. The treasures are not merely monetary, but treasures of good deeds which are giving, prayer, and fasting which my Father sees that I have done in secret. A heart turned toward heaven does not desire the immediate and temporary, but the delayed and eternal.
Finally, if my heart is turned toward heaven there is no reason for me to be anxious about life or those things that are necessary for life and even the tomorrows. I will also seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness Mt 6:33. Hearts turned toward heaven consciously seek to do good deeds in secret for others, so that our Father may be glorified.
Prayer: Our Father who sees all things, when my heart turns in any direction other than toward heaven I ask for your forgiveness and for grace that I may not be satisfied with the immediate and temporary results. Lord, give me a long view, a patient view and assurance that you see every good deed done with a heart turned toward heaven. Amen