Daily Devotional – Monday, November 29, 2021
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.
Matthew 6:1 (NKJV)
In my part of the world, politicians are known for their generosity, especially during the period preceding elections. You will find them fundraising for hospital bills, school fees, school infrastructure projects and other needy courses.
There is nothing wrong with helping others. In fact, we need to encourage more of such acts of kindness because of the high levels of poverty and desperation in society. There are numerous cases of people whose lives changed for the better, thanks to donations from politicians.
Generosity for the cameras
The only drawback with this form of generosity, however, is that it is done before television cameras. Videos and photos of the poor receiving aid from their leaders are deliberately shared on mainstream and social media.
The poor recipient of assistance from politicians become poster people to be used in various forums and campaigns. Indeed, if the assistance is not broadcasted, it is assumed not to have happened.
Contradicting the teachings of Jesus
Public benevolence is fundamentally in contrast to the teachings of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 6:1, the Lord taught, “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.”
What was the context of this admonition? “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.” (Matthew 6:2).
Is that not an apt description of many contemporary leaders? While God blesses those who give to the needy, He does not reward this type of benevolence. Our Heavenly Father demands that we practise our generosity in secret. (read Matthew 6:3-4).
Why does God detest public displays of generosity?
First, we own nothing. Everything we have belongs to God. Listen to David’s prayer when the Israelites contributed to the building of the Jerusalem temple:
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” (1 Chronicles 29:14).
Why should you boast for giving what does not actually belong to you?
Secondly, when we give to others and make a show of it, we demean such people. If the intention of our generosity is to make the recipients happy, why should we make it an occasion to glorify ourselves? Why belittle those we purport to want to make happy?
Given in secret; rewarded in public
The next time you give, especially to a person who cannot pay you back, do it away from the glare of cameras and the public. This way, “your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:4).
Heavenly Father, teach me how to perform my generosity in secret.
What is your take on public display of generosity? Please leave a comment.
Nice read, challenging our demonstration of faith. Thanks
Quite true, Erastus. We need to examine our faith and actions. Thanks you for commenting.