Charity

"But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." (Matthew 6:3-4 NKJ)

Most of us know the story of the widow who gave her "mite." And some will remember that Christ taught us to give without thinking too much about it. Certainly, we know that Paul taught us to sow monetary seeds cheerfully.

Throughout the Gospel narratives we hear Jesus say, "your righteousness must be better than that of the Pharisees." And in today's passage, once again, we get that message. Don't allow your vanity and pride to drive your charity. Don't give out of desire for recognition and public opinion. Don't make a spectacle of your giving.

Financial Times columnist, Tim Harford wrote, "the closer you look at charitable giving, the less charitable it appears." Many polls and studies reveal that a charitable group can actually raise more money by selling lottery tickets than by simply asking for a donation. We may conclude that for many people, charity involves a "something-for-me" element.

God seems to be nudging me about my motivation for charity. "do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing." He desires my charitable deeds to be pure. Charity is not pure unless my motivation is pure. If I take too much time to think about and consider it (i.e., letting both hands know and agree), then something impure happens and my charitable deed becomes polluted.

Of course, Jesus is not saying that we should give no thought regarding our charity. Yet, his instructions to do our "charitable deeds" secretly, speaks directly to our personal  motivation in giving. He reminds me that our Heavenly Father, who knows my heart, sees my giving. If I do it secretly, between me and God, then he will take care of my rewards.

A good examination may start with some questions. Would I still give, if no one but God ever knew I had given?  Is my charitable giving centered in God? Does my motivation for giving please the Lord? "Your Father who sees in secret will himself reward you openly."

Dear Father, thank you for giving unselfishly to all of us. Empower me to give with pure motivation. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Give today with pure motivation,