A Generous Heart: Why Jesus says to give in secret
Alright, let's be honest, Jesus gives us a tough one in Matthew 6:1-4. He basically says that when you're doing good stuff like giving to the needy, praying, or fasting, do it in private. Don't go around broadcasting it to everyone and fishing for praise or attention.
Here’s the thing, Jesus knows our hearts can be tricky. We might put on this whole "holier than thou" act outwardly, but inwardly, we're just craving that sweet, sweet approval from people. Jesus calls out that kind of fakeness and warns that if we're just doing good deeds for the applause, then that's our only reward. Talk about a real bummer of a "prize."
Now, some might argue, "But shouldn't we inspire others by showing off our good deeds?" Well, Jesus has an answer for that, too, in Matthew 5:16 – "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Your good works should be to glorify God, not yourself. It's not about suppressing the good we do but purifying our motives.
So, we've got this tension – shine our light, but give in secret. The solution? It’s pretty simple and incapsulated in this: "Show when tempted to hide and hide when tempted to show." When you naturally want to keep your good deeds under wraps, that's when you boldly reveal them to point people to God. But when you're just itching for some human applause, squash that craving by doing it in secret.
Why is Jesus so big on this secrecy thing? Because he cares way more about who we are becoming on the inside than what we're doing on the outside. Good behavior flows from inner transformation, and hiddenness cultivates humility – the very essence of Christ's character. The humble get God's greatest reward: a deep, intimate connection with him. "For there is fullness of joy in His presence" (Psalm 16:11).
Secrecy also protects us from getting the wrong idea about rewards. We can't treat God like some divine accountant who pays us material wages for our outward performance. "I volunteered at the soup kitchen, so God owes me a new car!" Jesus shuts down that prosperity gospel mentality. When we quietly serve to be praised by God alone, he rewards us with the eternal prize of becoming more like Christ. That beats any temporary payoff this world offers.
So, how can we put these biblical principles into practice and grow in this secret life of righteousness?
It’s a difficult path, but it's so important for our spiritual growth. Spiritual hypocrisy inoculates us from the transforming power of Christ. We might perform righteous acts, but we remain stunted and withered people. Only hiddenness and humility allow God's light to permeate our souls and help us bloom into genuine bearers of his glory. So, take up Jesus' challenging call to become radiant beacons of his grace – not by capturing the spotlight, but by finding your purest radiance where no human eyes can see.
Here’s the thing, Jesus knows our hearts can be tricky. We might put on this whole "holier than thou" act outwardly, but inwardly, we're just craving that sweet, sweet approval from people. Jesus calls out that kind of fakeness and warns that if we're just doing good deeds for the applause, then that's our only reward. Talk about a real bummer of a "prize."
Now, some might argue, "But shouldn't we inspire others by showing off our good deeds?" Well, Jesus has an answer for that, too, in Matthew 5:16 – "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Your good works should be to glorify God, not yourself. It's not about suppressing the good we do but purifying our motives.
So, we've got this tension – shine our light, but give in secret. The solution? It’s pretty simple and incapsulated in this: "Show when tempted to hide and hide when tempted to show." When you naturally want to keep your good deeds under wraps, that's when you boldly reveal them to point people to God. But when you're just itching for some human applause, squash that craving by doing it in secret.
Why is Jesus so big on this secrecy thing? Because he cares way more about who we are becoming on the inside than what we're doing on the outside. Good behavior flows from inner transformation, and hiddenness cultivates humility – the very essence of Christ's character. The humble get God's greatest reward: a deep, intimate connection with him. "For there is fullness of joy in His presence" (Psalm 16:11).
Secrecy also protects us from getting the wrong idea about rewards. We can't treat God like some divine accountant who pays us material wages for our outward performance. "I volunteered at the soup kitchen, so God owes me a new car!" Jesus shuts down that prosperity gospel mentality. When we quietly serve to be praised by God alone, he rewards us with the eternal prize of becoming more like Christ. That beats any temporary payoff this world offers.
So, how can we put these biblical principles into practice and grow in this secret life of righteousness?
- First, do an honest self-check. Are there areas where you're easily tempted to broadcast your righteousness on social media? Charitable giving? Volunteering? Fasting and prayer? Identify where your ego craves that attention.
- Second, make a plan of attack. If social media is a pitfall, consider taking periodic breaks or even permanently deactivating accounts that lure you to flaunt your righteousness. Ask a trusted friend to call you out when you're fishing for praise. Most importantly, spend time alone with God, studying his priorities for inward holiness over outward religious accomplishments and reputation.
- Third, start small. If you can't yet feed an entire African village anonymously, maybe you can secretly deliver groceries to a struggling neighbor. Find modest ways to sacrifice praise for God's greater eternal reward.
It’s a difficult path, but it's so important for our spiritual growth. Spiritual hypocrisy inoculates us from the transforming power of Christ. We might perform righteous acts, but we remain stunted and withered people. Only hiddenness and humility allow God's light to permeate our souls and help us bloom into genuine bearers of his glory. So, take up Jesus' challenging call to become radiant beacons of his grace – not by capturing the spotlight, but by finding your purest radiance where no human eyes can see.