1. Righteousness for God, Not for Show

Scripture:

• "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven." — Matthew 6:1
• "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." — Matthew 6:3-4
• Explanation: Jesus calls us to avoid doing religious acts like giving, praying, or fasting to gain human approval or blessings on earth. Instead, these acts should flow from a heart devoted to God, seeking His approval alone.
• Connection to the Lord’s Prayer: As referenced in the guide on the Lord’s Prayer, true prayer is about seeking God’s will and His kingdom rather than seeking personal gain.

Action Step:

• Ask: "Father, am I performing my spiritual practices for You, or am I seeking recognition or earthly reward?"
• Reflect: Are you more concerned with how others view your religious actions, or is your focus on honoring God?
• Listen: As you pray, ask God to reveal areas where your motives need realignment. Write down what He shows you.

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2. Treasures in Heaven, Not on Earth

Scripture:

• "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." — Matthew 6:19-20
• "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." — Matthew 6:21
• Explanation: Earthly wealth and possessions are temporary, and Jesus warns against making them our focus. Instead, we should prioritize eternal treasures—living for God’s kingdom, which lasts forever. Being heavenly-minded involves trusting in God's eternal provision rather than pursuing material gain.
• Denying Ourselves: Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, to let go of the pursuit of wealth or status, and to find our true identity in Christ, trusting that what God provides is far better than anything this world offers.
  ("Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'" — Matthew 16:24)

Action Step:

• Ask: "God, where am I storing up treasures on earth? How can I shift my focus to storing up treasures in heaven?"
• Reflect: Consider where your time, energy, and resources are being spent. Are they contributing to God’s kingdom, or are they focused on temporary things?
• Listen: Allow God to reveal practical ways to invest more in eternal things. Write down one step you can take today.

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3. Trust in God’s Perfect Provision

Scripture:

• "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all." — Matthew 6:31-32
• "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." — Matthew 6:33
• Explanation: Matthew 6 is not a formula for gaining earthly wealth or avoiding the responsibilities we have in sustaining our lives. Jesus’ message here is about trusting God to provide for our needs, but this doesn’t mean we neglect our duties or daily work. We are still called to work diligently, but with the assurance that God knows our needs and will supply what is best for us.
• God Knows Best: Our view of what we need may be limited or misguided, but God knows perfectly what is best for us. Trusting Him requires letting go of control and allowing Him to lead us.
  ("And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:19)

Action Step:

• Ask: "Father, help me to trust in Your perfect provision. What are areas of my life where I need to let go of worry?"
• Reflect: Are there specific worries about your needs that are consuming your thoughts?
• Listen: As you pray, ask God to remind you of His care and provision. Write down how He’s calling you to trust Him more fully.

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4. The Heavenly Mindset: Focus on God’s Kingdom

Scripture:

• "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." — Matthew 6:21
• "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." — Colossians 3:2
• Explanation: Being heavenly-minded means prioritizing God’s kingdom over earthly concerns. It’s about shifting our focus from temporary, material things to eternal values—living to glorify God, grow in Christ, and invest in others for His kingdom.
• Identity in Christ: As with the guide on finding identity in Christ, a heavenly mindset is rooted in knowing that we are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are not defined by worldly success, wealth, or recognition, but by our relationship with God.

Action Step:

• Ask: "Father, help me set my mind on heavenly things. What do I need to let go of to focus more on Your kingdom?"
• Reflect: Are there areas where you are too focused on earthly concerns or distracted by material pursuits?
• Listen: Be still and listen for God’s guidance on what it means to be more heavenly-minded. Write down any thoughts or actions He impresses upon your heart.