Scripture:
Matthew 6:1-4 NKJV
[1] “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. [2] Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. [3] But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
Observation:
Matthew chapters 5 and 6 are what is commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount. Early in HIS ministry Jesus Christ took the time to lay out what it looks like to live a life that glorifies the Father in heaven, by covering a multitude of topics, including but not limited to things like worry, mourning, prayer, and even giving. HE gave clear instructions about each one. In fact, one of my favorites is in the 6th chapter at the very end as HE talks about worry and how by doing so you are really showing a lack of trust in GOD. However, this morning that’s not exactly where we find ourselves. Even though, if I were to be honest, I would have to say I sure could use a little time in that area of scripture myself. I was directed to charitable deeds and what that should look like. So let’s dive in. The very first thing that Jesus says is a warning, HE says, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” To really dive in here, we have to understand what was going on at that time, and as we continue to read on in verse 2, it’s explained. The keyword in the verse is hypocrites. Now, if we know much about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, we know who that phrase was ultimately reserved for. It seemed that the Pharisees and Sadducees had a common practice. They wanted to be seen as good people. People who were known for the kind things they did. So as they walked through town, they would have a trumpet player following closely, and anytime they gave something to someone less fortunate. The trumpet would sound a blast, and all eyes would turn that what was going on. Therefore their charitable deed was not out of the overflow of their heart, or even due to the abundant blessings that GOD had poured out. It was out of a desire to be seen by man as good, kind, and loving. The focus of their heart was wrong. The desire for it should have been to love their neighbor, and if that were really the case. The recognition for doing something kind was not needed. The thing is once they had the recognition of man. The reward they had sought was over and they could expect nothing else. Jesus wanted to correct that. HE wanted our hearts to be in the right place. HE wanted our hearts to be on the Father’s love. Not the attention of man. Not seeking rewards here on earth, such as recognition and commendation from those around us, but looking to the Father. The author and finisher of our faith. As HE continues to teach, Jesus tells us exactly how to do that. HE says, “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Let’s take a good look at that…. what HE is saying is don’t even let yourself know what you’re doing. Now listen, I’m sure that it’s impossible to keep a secret from yourself. Unless you have Alzheimer’s, and if you are reading this, I hope that’s not the case, because we want you to remember what you have read and put it into action. I believe what HE is teaching is that your heavenly Father knows the condition of your heart. HE knows why you are giving, or why you are not giving for that matter, and HE will reward accordingly. I love the irony in the Bible. Every answer we will ever need in life I have found in the pages of the Book GOD gave us as a road map to life. HE tells us not to be deceived, GOD will not be mocked. For whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap. If you sow to the flesh, you will reap corruption, but if you sow to the spirit, you will reap heavenly rewards.
Application:
I don’t really care what people think of me. All that matters is what GOD thinks of me. Looking for titles and recognition, blowing trumpets to gain something that will quickly fade. Well, that’s just not my cup of tea. Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Honestly, I would like to live outside the radar of “look what he did,” and I would prefer it not be mentioned. I’m not looking for man’s approval. I want my treasure to be stored in heaven. Looking for the praise of man won’t get you anywhere. Seeing someone announcing the good things they do is like the screeching of bad brakes on a blessing or fingernails on a chalkboard to the ears of GOD. I kind of picture HIM with a smile on HIS face until you mention the good you just did. I’m not saying this because I’m not guilty. I think we all have done something good and then sought recognition for it. To say you haven’t would be lying. I want to be a doer of GOD’S word. I want to see the principles in the Bible and then put them into action. That’s my heart’s desire. The amazing thing is when our hearts line up with GOD’S heart for us, HE will give us everything we desire. That’s where it gets a little confusing for some of us. We think GOD will give us our hearts’ desires, and I guess in a sense HE will. If you want recognition from men, you can have it, but that’s all you’re going to get, and I have been guilty of seeking just that. That’s not who I am anymore. It hasn’t been me for a long time. So what I’m asking is if I have done something good for you and you know it was me, please don’t mention it. Give thanks to GOD. HE is the one who directed me to do so. It’s all HIM. It’s all HIS glory. I can do nothing good without HIM. My life is not my own. It’s been bought and paid for by the blood of Christ. So every kind act that is done through me is done to bring HIM glory not me. Please don’t look at me like I did something. I’m honestly not that nice in and of myself. GOD has made me who I am today and HE deserves all the glory. I don’t need a trumpet, a title, or a name on a piece of paper that has been given by man. All I need is for my name to be written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for what you have done in us. Every good and perfect gift comes from you. We just want to give glory to the one who deserves it. Without what you did we would have no hope. We are eternally grateful. This morning we want you to be recognized for all that you have done. The change in our hearts is only because of what your son did for us and anything good that we do is a result of what HE did by giving us new life. We want to stay right-sized knowing that you see into the deeper matters. We want our hearts to be in right standing with you. Seeking your glory and not ours. We know that we do not have to stand up and announce anything that we have done, because you have already seen it, and the only recognition we need is from you. Help us to remain with that mindset. Not sounding a trumpet, but instead thanking you silently for the opportunity to be used by you. This life is not about us, it’s about you and your plan for us. We do not want to be like the Pharisees who needed to be seen, who desired the praise of man. You are, “I AM,” and that’s all we need. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.