The Life and Ministry of Jesus
But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. Matthew 6:3–4
May I say to you that giving is between you and God, and the very minute you get a third party involved, you don’t get any credit in heaven. There is a lot of so–called Christian giving today that isn’t giving at all. For example, the college I graduated from played on human nature.
While I was in school, beautiful architectural plans were drawn up for a tower to be put on an old hall. It was modestly announced that the tower would be named after the donor. At least a half dozen people wanted their names on that tower. Today it is called “So–and–so Tower” in honor of a certain man. His name is carved in stone which means that his trumpet is being blown all the time. A lot of people give like that. This kind of giving is worth nothing before God. 1
Personal Encouragement
Giving is not a convenient option for a Christian. Jesus said “when you give” not “if you give.” We should all give sacrificially and generously, in secret, as an act of worship before Him and never to glorify ourselves.
I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:10
A giver gives from gratitude, knowing Jesus gave everything for him.
A Prayer
Lord, may I always honor You with all that You have entrusted to me.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (Matthew 1-13) (electronic ed., Vol. 34). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
