Matthew 6:1-4
Matthew 6 continues Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount—a lengthy teaching that began with the Beatitudes and carries on through chapter 7 of Matthew. Today’s devotional focuses on giving to the needy.
Jesus is very clear that when we give—not if we give—we must do so discreetly, without drawing attention to ourselves. In fact, Jesus points out that the hypocrites do give, but with ulterior motives. They want to be patted on the back and recognized for their “generosity.” Jesus says that this recognition is all the reward they will ever receive.
This makes me think about the awards that are given for philanthropy. It is wonderful that people want to recognize those who have made such a difference, but I wonder how those awards compare to the rewards that God gives. I suppose it boils down to this: do we want the praise that comes from people, or the praise that comes from God? Jesus teaches that if we call attention to our acts of charity, we forfeit our reward.
What do we have that was not given to us? The Apostle Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 4:7:
“What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is a gift from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?”
This highlights the crux of the matter—we are not to take pride in our giving. We are not to blow trumpets declaring, “Look at me and how generous I am.” Pride can subtly creep in, even when we are doing a good thing.
I am reminded of someone in our church who gives anonymously on a regular basis. This person wants no recognition and is adamant about remaining unknown, clearly understanding and living out this teaching.
On the flip side, it is right to thank those who have been a blessing in our lives. Scripture offers clarification on this balance:
“Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth— a stranger, not your own lips.” —Proverbs 27:2 (NLT)
At the heart of the matter, we are to give in order to be a blessing—not for personal recognition—and we certainly should not toot our own horn. If someone chooses to thank us, a simple, “You’re welcome; it was my pleasure,” is enough, recognizing that God is the One who supplied what was given.
Jesus is very clear: “Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
I prefer the Father’s rewards—how about you?
Jesus is very clear that when we give—not if we give—we must do so discreetly, without drawing attention to ourselves. In fact, Jesus points out that the hypocrites do give, but with ulterior motives. They want to be patted on the back and recognized for their “generosity.” Jesus says that this recognition is all the reward they will ever receive.
This makes me think about the awards that are given for philanthropy. It is wonderful that people want to recognize those who have made such a difference, but I wonder how those awards compare to the rewards that God gives. I suppose it boils down to this: do we want the praise that comes from people, or the praise that comes from God? Jesus teaches that if we call attention to our acts of charity, we forfeit our reward.
What do we have that was not given to us? The Apostle Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 4:7:
“What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is a gift from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?”
This highlights the crux of the matter—we are not to take pride in our giving. We are not to blow trumpets declaring, “Look at me and how generous I am.” Pride can subtly creep in, even when we are doing a good thing.
I am reminded of someone in our church who gives anonymously on a regular basis. This person wants no recognition and is adamant about remaining unknown, clearly understanding and living out this teaching.
On the flip side, it is right to thank those who have been a blessing in our lives. Scripture offers clarification on this balance:
“Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth— a stranger, not your own lips.” —Proverbs 27:2 (NLT)
At the heart of the matter, we are to give in order to be a blessing—not for personal recognition—and we certainly should not toot our own horn. If someone chooses to thank us, a simple, “You’re welcome; it was my pleasure,” is enough, recognizing that God is the One who supplied what was given.
Jesus is very clear: “Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
I prefer the Father’s rewards—how about you?
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