In the fifth and sixth chapters of Matthew Jesus instructs the disciples on right spiritual practice, stressing the need for secrecy in performing one’s religious obligations, not only to avoid the judgment of others but to keep the focus on the reason for the rituals – serving our Higher Power toward the highest and best for all.

At first glance, chapter 6 might appear to be contradictory to Matthew 5:16 (let your light shine before men), but in fact reinforces it, for it is not through our acts that our light shines, but our very being. Spiritual awareness brings us peace and joy, regardless of our circumstances or our vocations or avocations, said peace and joy being difficult to hide, even if we wanted to.

This is the kingdom and righteousness Jesus refers to, a state of mind ruled by faith and inner peace and knowing that we are one with the Creator/Source. On that foundation we can then exercise our imagination to build and maintain a sense of prosperity, well-being, and potential for greater good and trigger creative consciousness to bring these into the physical.

Spiritual practice is about being, not doing or having, but what we do and have are based entirely on what we are: