“Do Not Do Your Charitable Deeds Before Men”
Matthew 6:1-4 (NKJV)
1 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.
2 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.
3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
I saw a video on Facebook this morning of a man purchasing dozens of sandwiches from a fast food restaurant, distributing them to homeless people, and filming their reactions to his “charity.” This kind of video is not unique on social media. It is wonderful that folks sacrifice their time, money, and resources to help people that face daily challenges to provide for themselves. However, we cannot forget what the motive behind our charitable deeds should be.
Jesus teaches us not do our charitable deeds publically, sounding a trumpet, for men to see what we are doing. He made this statement regarding the hypocritical Pharisees who wanted the honor and approval of others far more than God’s approval. Jesus says they have their reward. We should not “sound a trumpet” to draw attention to the good deeds that we do for others.
When we post photos, videos, or updates about all of the charitable deeds we are doing, we are sounding a trumpet, drawing attention to ourselves, and sitting back to watch the positive ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ pour in. Many actually making a profit because of the number ‘views’ their videos receive.
We might claim to be doing what we are doing with pure intentions and a love for our fellow man. Maybe that’s true in some cases, but let’s try being secretive about the good deeds we do, then see how we feel. If we have no satisfaction in giving when it’s done in secret, it is time to re-evaluate our motives for charitable giving.
Please continue to do what you can to help your family, friends, and neighbors in need. This post is not meant to discourage anyone from helping someone. It’s simply a reminder of WHY we do good things for others. We should truly do good deeds to help those in need and glorify God. If we make it a public spectacle on social media, Jesus makes it clear that God is NOT glorified in that. If we do our charitable deeds in secret, our Father who sees in secret will Himself reward us openly.
-Eric Bullock, Evangelist
