Are You Silently Giving?

​Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:1-4

Mediate — humbly.

     If everyone were to boast about their good deeds—good works—then those actions would become meaningless. No reward—not even any self-satisfaction when someone has to boast about themselves. Look what I did…how great am I?! What kind of person is so egotistical as that? Pharisees? That is probably who Jesus didn’t want His followers to imitate…to become. Self-righteous. Self-righteousness is not rewarded by the Heavenly Father. No bragging.

     Additionally, besides doing these good deeds secretly, you may want to consider your own motivation. Are you doing… whatever… just to get God’s attention or to truly help others? Is knowing that you will ultimately get an award from God spurring you on or enticing you to seek His treasure? Are you giving of your time, talents, and money quietly or proudly?

     What do we learn from this passage? Jesus is telling His followers not to be braggers…to be humble and that the Heavenly Father would reward them for their actions…good deeds. How will He see your good deeds today?                                                                                              

Prayer ~ Jesus, let my light shine before our Heavenly Father…not before men. May the things I do for You not draw attention to me…but to You.    

Verse of Salvation ~ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:9 (NLT)