Do Good to Please God
Matthew 6:1-4 “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. 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. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.”
It was our first year in Ghana and we were just getting used to the local language and to long worship services. We were impressed that each Sunday, the pastor would solemnly give a “mini-sermon” before his official one. Only when we learned more of the local language did we realize that this was no sermon! The pastor was announcing special contributions from rich people so that everyone in the congregation would appreciate their generosity. When we attended funerals or weddings, we swiftly learned that unless we quietly dropped our donations in a general fund, those collecting donations would ensure that the amount of our donation be generally announced. For many of those donating, the motto seemed to be “If you’ve got it, flaunt it!”
These days, fund-raisers in churches will start by asking those donating large amounts of money such as 1,000 Ghana cedis or 500 Ghana cedis to bring their money forward so everyone can applaud them. These announcers will then work their way down until they allow those with small amounts to come forward and give anonymously. We simply wait until the general offering is taken and then donate.
Things were no different in Jesus’ day. The professional religious people donated all right; however, they wanted to make sure that EVERYBODY knew exactly how generous they were. Lacking spotlights, these people settled for sounding trumpets as they processed to the temple or as they handed over their donation inside the temple. What God-fearing rabbis thought of this horrific practice can only be imagined.
Sometimes culture and Scripture clash, and this is a prime example. Jesus is telling a shocked crowd that they have a choice: do they want God’s approval or man’s? Publicizing donations may get popular praise, but enjoy it for that’s all you’re going to get. On the other hand, if you keep your charity secret, God will reward you openly.
We have seen church elders praise wicked people who abuse their house help and practically starve their families so they can make a good showing publicly. Here Jesus is saying, “Better enjoy whatever people are saying, because that’s all the reward you’re going to get.” The law of the Kingdom of God is that the measure you give out is the measure you will receive; however, when you give anticipating a lot of praise, you are determining your own reward. People will say anything to manipulate on behalf of their organization, but praise is ephemeral with a life-span shorter than that of a May-fly that barely lives 24 hours. On the other hand, God’s rewards might last a lifetime.
If we are to truly be disciples, we must abandon the idea of adulation and fancy speeches. But charity does have some instant rewards. We routinely assist poor patients with medical bills, and they frequently return with guinea eggs, guinea fowls, or tubers of yam. We are helping because we don’t want the rest of the family to starve, but these people want to demonstrate their gratitude. We receive these gifts gratefully, recognizing the sacrifices these families are making, and then pass them on to others to bless them as well.
In 1992, we were leaving the U.S. for Ghana. One family needed a vehicle and we gave my small car to them. Another family needed living room furniture and we donated that as well. That car has since blessed two or three other families. Our advice after years of ministry: Don’t be afraid to give. God keeps the books.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to give freely as You have given to us. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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