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Leg 1 Day 80
Charity
Jesus With Us
Scripture:
Matthew 6:1-4 (NLT)
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in Heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Life Lessons from Jesus:
Oh my, our readings today address something that almost all of us have done. Human nature demands that we be recognized when we do good. Jesus stops us in our tracks by telling us that all the good things we do should be done quietly. We like to be recognized by others when we are generous or kind or speak eloquently. Jesus tells us that those who do their good deeds to be admired by others “have received all the reward they will ever get.” In other words, the only reward they will receive is the approval of this world. Once again, we see the power of attitude and action. When we do things from the heart, we receive the blessing of satisfaction. Giving in secret reveals the motives of our heart. If our motive is for admiration, we will brag about what we have done. If our motivation is to to give God glory, we leave our actions between ourselves and our Jesus. Let the Spirit handle “public relations” from that point.
The WAY:
Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:
What is something I can do today in private to show my love for Jesus?
Have I ever given money or volunteered to do something because “it looks good”?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for being a God who is not concerned about the spotlight. I pray that humility would be something that drives me on a day-to-day basis. Teach me to give like You. In Your name, Amen.