Monday, February 26, 2018
Right-handed secret
Matthew 6:3
But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing
Today, everything we do must bring value to our image, brand, or our corporate identity. In the public relations and marketing business, we have developed various tools and algorithms to measure the value that a particular brand receives from the various corporate social responsibility activities in which it participates.
This is why, if a corporation is going to make a donation to a particular cause or charity an oversized cheque is created for the hand-over so that it makes for good photography in which the brand and the amount being given can be clearly seen.
These days, individuals too have brand equity and much effort is put into ensuring that particular activities by celebrities or people in power are organised in a way for them to get maximum visibility and to be known for their contributions and activities.
In many cases, particularly in the developed world, anonymous donations are discouraged because of instances of dirty money making its way into the charities through corrupt officials, and by that completely undermining the work and image of a charity.
It is customary these days for us in church to copy many of the things that the world does. We make a very big deal out of contributions, those we give and, those we receive. Some churches and ministries are as much concerned about their brand as any commercial enterprise and many individuals need to be celebrated for their giving.
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have also made it very easy for us to share the things that we are doing. We use this at our church a bit to show some of the ministries that we are involved in.
There are very sound arguments for a church or ministry to display some of their good works and charitable activities for others to see. Among those arguments are donor support, people are encouraged to give when they see a church giving. Another argument is that a church that is involved with the community and provides a place for volunteerism is seen, especially by younger generations, as a good place to be and participate.
All of this becomes a real challenge when we examine these practices in the light of Jesus’ teaching. The only benchmark that should matter to the church is how our activities line up with the Word. Jesus addressed this matter twice in His sermon on the mount.
In the second instance, Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus emphasises secret charity. He established that charity is not an opportunity for public display, pointing out that when these are done for public display, for personal or corporate brand equity, we lose equity with God, “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.” Matthew 6:1.
Jesus then seems to warn, since back then, about the tendency we have to copy the practices of those around us. In His time, he made reference to the “hypocrites in the synagogues and in the streets.” In our time it would be celebrities and corporations. “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.” Matthew 6:2
The matter of secret charity was such a big deal for Jesus that he urged the right-handed individual to ensure that his left hand was not aware of the charitable activities of the right hand. That is a very high level of secret charity. “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” Matthew 6:3.
Jesus makes it clear, twice, in these few verses that the goal of our charity is not equity with men but favour with God. If equity with men is your goal, then, by all means, broadcast everything you do. Or as Jesus put it, “sound a trumpet.” If, however, your goal is equity with God, then right-hand secrets are what you require. “Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” He repeated this saying that “that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” Matthew 6:4
In this entire section of the ‘sermon’, Jesus seems preoccupied with things that should be done in secret for favour with God. Jesus recognises and anticipates the tendency we have for self-promotion and boasting. He also recognises the tendency we have for copying the practices of those in the world whose motives are far different from those we should display.
Later in the ‘sermon’ He referred to the very spiritual act of fasting and said, “do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:18.
And then He also admonished the hearers to be very careful about where they are building up equity. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” Matthew 6:19-21
We have to make serious decisions about our charitable works, individually, and as churches and ministries. We have to clarify for ourselves where we are working to build up equity. Our natural tendency is to build up equity here where we could easily check the balance.
Think on these things:
- Are there any charities or ministries that you support with giving?
- Is your giving to these causes or organisations a right-handed secret?
- How do you respond to personal recognition that you receive for doing things for God?
- You could easily check your bank balance at the ATM, but do you know if you have built up any equity in the heavenly accounts?
Prayer focus:
Let us pray today that we would give in secret with the right motive of the heart.
In His Grace
Pastor Alex
