January 28
Matthew 6:2-4
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 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. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Do you show goodness and kindness on a regular basis? Secondly when you do these things do you do so from a pure and a genuine heart, or do you do so with hidden ulterior motives. The truth is most of us do good deeds because of what others may think of us. Whether giving, encouraging, sharing of time and resources, etc. most of us do it because someone is watching. Ask yourself this question, do I do my good deeds for the glory of God in heaven or for recognition of man on earth? For the most part we find a way to let our kindness be known to at least a single individual. We must refrain from announcing everything that we do. If you pray for a particular breakthrough for someone and God does that specific thing for them don’t go around telling them that you have been fasting and praying for that for them. Similarly if you anonymously do something for someone and a great outcome comes out of it, let it remain anonymous. Let all glory be given to God.
It’s one thing for people to see and recognize what you’re doing without you intentionally putting it in their face, and it’s a whole different scene to announce what you are doing to the world around you. The recognition we get here on earth does not go far. It cannot get us anywhere. The reward that we will receive from the father however is everything. Do not intend on making sure you’re recognized for everything that you do. Do good for the sake of doing good. And when people recognize you give all the glory to God.
