Matthew 6:1-18. Righteousness is not something we can achieve by “looking
good” for others. True Christian righteousness flows from Christ’s cleansing
blood and our solid relationship with our Father in Heaven. As we seek to
serve God and serve other people, our motives may need a periodic “tune up.”
Love must be at the center of our prayer life (our intimate relationship with our
Father) and at the center of our outreach (showing hospitality toward others).
The “righteousness ratio” needs to be just right so we keep our eye on the
prize and don’t carry unnecessary “dead weight” or replace vital needs with
worthless innovations.