Matthew 6:1-2

Every Jew knew that giving to the poor was one of their key responsibilities. Jesus confirmed that this would continue to be a major duty for his followers too. However, his main concern was the way in which it was done. It needed to be done secretly because gifts were, first of all, to be given to God. Those who were trying to impress other people and win their praise had totally missed the point. There is no evidence that anyone actually commissioned trumpeters to accompany their giving, but the point that Jesus was making is clear enough. Don’t do anything to draw other people’s attention to your giving.

We give our gifts because of our love for God and our desire to please him. If we do it to win the praise of other people, then the focus is completely wrong and our giving is clearly not an act of worship at all. It’s just a pathetic act of showing off.

Jesus was harsh in his criticism of the religious people because their play acting was giving the Jewish religion a bad name. The same is true today. People love to see Christians who are genuine but are quick to criticise anything that comes across as phony. I am always delighted to see Christians working so hard as Street Pastors or in food banks and night shelters. Such quiet, loving, caring service brings joy to the heart of God.

Question

What should we all be doing to ensure that we are not acting hypocritically?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the privilege of giving. Help me to ensure that my giving is always to you, and never to impress other people. Amen