Lights, Camera, Action...
“By careful not to practise your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 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 honoured 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.” Matthew 6:1-4 NIV
It’s estimated that around 150 million people worldwide are homeless, with 1.6 billion individuals staying in inadequate ‘homes’. 870,000 children in England alone go to bed hungry, their parents unable to provide for their children. As children of God, surely it’s our job to help them, for aren’t we stewards of Earth? Now, you may yourself be unable to help, and that’s okay! But to those who have the means to not only provide for themselves, but for other people, there’s just a single – albeit rather crucial - ground rule…
Nope, it’s not the amount, neither is it the presentation, nor is it whom you give to (although this is quite important too). The thing that matters to God is the announcement, or at least the lack of. Although it shouldn’t, it may matter you to that people know of your generosity and kind gestures, but this certainly isn’t the way to go about it. In verse two of Matthew 6, God says “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets”. Great deeds may be great deeds, but the satisfaction you may get from being the ‘better person’ is nothing compared to the rewards gifted by The Lord in heaven for humility in giving.
Honestly doesn’t seem that hard right? The thing is, humans naturally crave this kind of positive attention, and that may slip out… But it’s okay! God knows your heart, and God will provide.
Prayer is a thing of simplicity, not of big magnificent words (not that you can’t have them too), so here’s a prayer you could use, but bear in mind it may not be what you want to talk to God about.
Prayer
Lord, I thank you for the provisions to help those that are unable to help themselves. I pray for the gift you have given me, and that you may use me to bring glory to You through acts of giving. Many may not know that announcing their deeds is a bad thing, so Lord I pray that you will forgive them, and help each and every one of us understand your word.