In Matthew 23, we read that Jesus was withering about the attitude and approach of the scribes and Pharisees. Some of what they taught was correct, but they were hypocrites.
“Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe [insofar as it was in accordance with God’s Law], that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, “Rabbi, Rabbi”’” (Matthew 23:1-7)
By having their phylacteries broad and the borders of their garments enlarged was a physical show that they considered themselves more spiritual than others. They liked to be seen doing things. They loved to be in the best seats at the top table, their religious titles, and being greeted by all and sundry. It was showmanship, not religious care for the best interests of others. They ensured that their works were seen by men.
However, Jesus condemned such an approach. In Matthew 6:1-4, we read: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 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.”
The reward for the religious people at that time was the acclamation of the people. Instead, Jesus said His followers should do their charitable deeds, whatever they were, quietly and in secret so that the Father would see and bless them, those who were not looking for praise from others.
One speaker put it this way: “If you allow your almsgiving, prayer and fasting to put you in the spotlight, you’ve missed the point. You may get the praise of others, but that’s all you’ll get. What you won’t get are the blessings God has in store for you when you go about doing good deeds surreptitiously.”
All of this went through my mind when, during the second half of last year, one anonymous donor gave very generously, and regularly, to the Global Church of God in the UK. That giving has continued regularly into this year.
Over the years, we have received anonymous contributions from time to time but, because of their anonymity, we have never been able to thank them for their help in the work that we are doing in God’s service. And the same is the case with this person. If they are reading this editorial, then our heartfelt thanks to them for their generosity.
We have no idea why this generosity was anonymous and there may have been good reason(s) for that but as God looks on the heart, He will know the motivation and that’s all that matters. There is of course nothing wrong with revealing your identity as a contributor to the Church, as this may even be necessary in some countries for numerous reasons, such as receiving from the Church a receipt for tax purposes or because the government might not look favourably at a Church which receives too many anonymous contributions.
We may all at times, have mentioned certain things that we may have done to help others as a matter of conversation. This might be good and proper and can serve as a motivation for others to do likewise. However, we do have to make sure that this is not looking for the praise of others with the wrong motivation. God sees everything that is going on (compare Matthew 10:29), and that should be enough motivation for any of us.
It’s what matters to God that should count, not the praise of fellow man.
