Slaying Dragons: Selfishness — Tuesday
Matthew 6:3-4
“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.” (NIV)
Growing up, I always loved being recognized for my accomplishments. The McChessney Band Award, receiving medals for solo and ensemble, my picture published in the newspaper for an art scholarship, my name in a magazine for being a finalist in a jazz competition. I loved it. Accolades are a great way to encourage others to do their best. Unfortunately, that kind of attention can become addicting. When we receive a little attention, we want a little more. Before you know it, we are people-pleasing and working hard to get that rush we feel when people acknowledge all of our hard work. This can also spill over into our giving and serving. We want to give, but what do we get? A thank you, a certificate, a brass plate on a pew. We need that recognition. But Jesus says in Matthew 6:2, “...they have received their reward in full.” Does that mean the gift is bad? No. It just means that God’s not going to recognize you for something you did for a reward.
Instead, we should give quietly and secretly. In the movie Facing the Giants by Alex and Steven Kendrick, one of Grant Taylor’s football players and his dad give Coach Taylor a new truck. The player’s dad tells his son to not say a word about this, intending for the gift to remain a secret. And in turn, Coach Taylor gives God all the glory. “Lord, you’ve given me a truck!” Click here to watch the clip. God gets the glory, and I’m sure a great reward goes to the givers. Pleasing God should always be our only motivator.
Tuesday’s Reflection
Look for ways you can bless someone secretly, without even them knowing about it. Do it only for God’s glory.