In Matthew 6:2 (KJV), Jesus says, “Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.”
Self-praise or boasting is characteristic of one who is prideful and egotistical. And there’s a braggadocious tale to every who-they-helped story. The constant use of the personal pronoun I abound and is noticeably accentuated. The achievements and charity are always about the I in them and not about the blessings from God in heaven.
Yes, those described in Matthew 6:2 sound their trumpets or toot their own horns for praise. The bigger the audience and parade of praise, the better.
They are self-serving do-gooders. Self-serving intentions or motivations constitute hypocrisy when seeking the praise of others of the world instead of the approval of God.
Why receive applause with fanfare and vainglory from others?
Why not be approved by God and receive His righteous reward?
Matthew 6 says God rewards those who honor and glorify Him in their giving, praying, and fasting. But those who seek approval from the world, the world’s praise and glory are their reward.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO IS IMPORTANT
Someone may think doing something to help others is more important than why it was done. Who cares about the why?
The why can’t be any more important than that God says it is. Yes, Jesus says the why is very important.
Seeking only God’s approval is paramount for Christians in everything they do. Helping others out of the goodness of one’s heart, without public recognition or reward, is the most excellent way to give.
WE SHOULD DO GOOD BECAUSE OF LOVE
And only God can create a good heart. What makes a good heart? LOVE and obedience to God.
There is no acceptable reason for giving and doing a good deed other than love.
When we give to the needy, pray, and fast, we do no more than our duty in obedience to God because we love Him. And those who love Him will love their neighbors.
So, when we receive unsolicited praise or tokens of gratitude, we give God the honor and glory. For that which we gave was given to us by God.
Knowing that God is the source of every blessing or prosperity, why should Christians seek vainglory for God’s blessings? Yes, He blesses us to be a blessing to others.
Today, there is no shortage of needy people and good causes to support in our communities and the world.
What we do for others isn’t for neighborhood chatter, our story feed on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or any other dissemination.
In the fourth verse of this chapter, God says that whatever alms we give should be given in secret. “And thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”
Christians should want God’s approval, not the world’s applause.
Be Blessed
May God bless us all, and may we be a blessing to others.
Be safe.