December 10 | Matthew 6:1-4

““Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1–4, ESV)

As with many of the things Jesus talked about in His Sermon on the Mount He expects us to do them. If anyone ever asked me, “Do I have to give to the poor and needy?” I have to say, “Yes!” After all, Jesus didn’t say, “If you give to the needy,” but, “When you give to the needy…”

Given to those less fortunate than us shows Jesus’ heart. In one place Jesus said that when we do things for others less fortunate we do them to Him. You are serving Jesus by serving others. You are giving to Jesus by giving to others.

As much as you want to be a philanthropist and show everybody what you are doing you must keep it secret. Do you want to receive your reward here or in heaven? You don’t get it in both places. Don’t make a conscious effort to pat yourself on the back or let anyone know what you are doing. Your eternal reward depends on it!

Action Step: Don’t let anyone know how much you give or to whom you give it. Give in secret and receive God’s blessing.

Jesus, keep my pride from ruining my reward. Help me to give in secret. Give me a heart for those less fortunate than me. I’m giving to You by giving to them.