October 11 | Matthew 6:2-4

“”Thus, when you give alms to the needy, don’t blow the trumpet before you just as the hypocrites do in the synagogue and in the streets that they may be glorified by people. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give alms to the needy, don’t let your left hand know what you right hand is doing, so that your alms giving may be in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:2–4)

Who doesn’t want others to know what they are giving? We have a huge ego problem most of us don’t want to admit. We want other people to know our philanthropy efforts. We just need that praise from other people.

But that’s not how giving works in God’s Kingdom. We don’t give to show off or to receive praise from people. We give so God sees that His work in us is working. One of His biggest agenda items is to give to the needy.

This doesn’t have to be the poor. It can be people who suddenly have a need. It can be people who have fallen on hard times. And you don’t have to give money. You must be led by the Spirit.

Don’t let people know what you’re doing. Give in secret so you don’t receive praise from other people. That will be your reward if that’s your goal. Seek to receive praise from God and His blessings. Praise from people is temporary but God’s blessing lasts a lifetime.

Action Step: Find someone today in great need. Pour lavish blessings upon them and don’t tell anybody. If possible, don’t even let them know you blessed them.

Jesus, reveal someone in my path today who needs Your blessing. Give me the means to pour out blessing on them and fulfill a need they have. May you receive the glory!