When you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:2-4)
It is such a noble task isn’t it – giving to the needy.
It’s a practice of righteousness, though, because in it we play our part in loving God and loving our neighbour. We’re expressing our love for God in how we treat those around us. We have what they need, providing that for them should be basic neighbourly love. As a practice righteousness, it’s a part of the secret, intimate life worship. It’s an expression to God that we really are peacemakers going about with a purity of heart in the pursuit of what’s pleasing to Him.
All of that happens without the need for anyone else to be aware of it. It’s not for the public. It’s the development of being who you are that we can look to the need of the other without making a big show of it.
There is, however, something essentially selfless about that which can gnaw at the desire for a degree of thanks, recognition and approval. We don’t see the heavenly Father, but we do see others. There’s something about doing good things that just desires a little (lot of) acclaim.
It is such a shame that there is this desire when really and truly the acclaim that should mean most to us, is to know we have the approval of the Heavenly father. Not because of anything we have done, but because of the Son. So we don’t work to belong – we belong that’s why we work and that belonging is enough. It’s that belonging that feeds and informs our desire to practice righteousness.
It’s what makes giving a part of the secret life of saints.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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