Friday, June 17, 2011

Let Other's See God

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. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. -- Matthew 6:3-4

Why do you do good? Do you give money because God expects it? Are you kind because it makes you feel good? Do you donate to charities or volunteer your time because it’s the right thing to do? Everyone’s motives are different so I’m just asking.

I’ve got another question for you: Do you do your good works in secret or do you shout it from the rooftops? Okay. You probably don’t actually climb on the roof and shout about it but are you proud of what you‘ve done? Do you share news of your good deeds with those around you? Do you hunger for those accolades that come your way? Are you squirming yet?

You should be. Good works aren’t meant to be proclaimed on the billboards around town. Did you give someone a bag of groceries? Good for you! Thank God for prompting you and providing you with the resources to do so. Now remain silent and let God have the glory that is due Him. Don’t brag about your tithe. You’re merely giving God back a portion of what He’s given you.

Many years ago a widow faced the daunting task of supporting herself and her seven children on a nurses’ aide salary. In her testimony, she tells of not having money to buy food for her children and asking God to provide. And He did. On more than one occasion she found a bag groceries by her front door. She doesn’t know who did it or even if it was the same person. She’s a grandmother many times over now but she still praises God for answering her desperate prayers.

That’s what happens when you get out of the way. God gets the credit He deserves. He sees you. He knows what you’ve done. And He’ll reward you one day. In the meantime, do good works whenever you can. Let Jesus’ light shine from within you so that others can feel His love and His glory.