Matthew 6:1-4

Matthew 6:1-4 NIV

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

A friend of mine, Reverend Michael Carlson, wrote recently,

"Nobody can force anyone else to care about one's neighbor who is struggling. However, if you feel no compassion for the less fortunate, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be expected to do your part. Why? Because I don't think we really want to live with a government that is completely amoral when it comes to caring for children and the elderly who can't care for themselves. Government isn't there to justify your lack of compassion, but to make sure that our country maintains values that include compassion for others despite the selfish meanness in the hearts of some."

The condition of the heart, the attitude of our souls, is the area of spiritual life that Jesus centers upon. Don't be like the hypocrites who practice their piety in public to gain the approval of others. Practice your piety in secret and God will reward you with much more than the accolades of men and women.

Piety is a life of spiritual discipline. The disciplines of a pious life include charity to the poor and needy, prayer, study, fasting, journaling and other practices that center our lives around God. This reflection I am writing is one practice, a piece of my piety.

Jesus focuses first on giving alms or charity. He depicts the hypocrite as one who makes sure everyone knows about their generosity. They announce it with trumpets on street corners, so that it draws the attention of everyone around. They don't literally blast trumpets when they give to the poor, but they do whatever it takes to make sure others know what they are doing in order to gain approval and congratulations.

There must have been a competitive spirit among religious Jews like the Pharisees in Jesus' time. Even the writer of Hebrews tells the church to outdo one another in righteous works.

Heb 10:24 (TLB)

In response to all he has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good.

And Paul exhibits a competitive nature more than once in his letters.

Php 3:4b-6

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

Galatians 1:13-14 NIV

For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

I think perhaps Jesus is zeroing in on this merit badge mentality. I'm not picking on the Boy Scouts. I was a badge seeker too at one time. I am proud of my Eagle Scout ranking with 3 silver palms. This means I excelled in service, leadership and personal development. I earned around 60 or so merit badges. I'm not really sure anymore. Merit badges are like college credits. They mark the completion of a learning experience. A merit badge is given for each course completion and sewn onto a sash and worn at honor courts. A scout displays his badges on his uniform and may enjoy accolades and admiration from other scouts, leaders and patents. If the attention and congratulations is what a scout is after, then that's about all the badges are worth. They've missed the real value which is learning and personal growth. You can gain 100 badges, but still be no richer if you haven't truly gained knowledge and experience from the course trainings. In the same way, a person who practices piety for attention and admiration from others has missed the true value of spiritual practices, which is to grow in your intimacy with God, to increase your God-centerness.

When your heart is right, when you seek a deep and abiding connection to Christ, then you will be continually nourished and strengthened inwardly with the grace of God. Living water will well up in you unto eternal life. The Holy Spirit will do His work and transform your life to reflect Christ Jesus. If you pursue God and long to be in relationship with your Lord, you will find the greatest of rewards, Love. The love of God far outshines awards, trophies and pats on the back. These are nice, but pale in comparison to eternal rewards that never lose their luster.

So when you give, give out of the wealth you've been given in your relationship with God. Why do you think people are so generous at Christmas? Some are because it is expected. It's tradition. Others do because they get caught up in the spirit of the season, the spirit of giving. But the truest gift comes from a heart overflowing with love, joy and compassion. They celebrate the God who loves them and sent Christ to grant them freedom and abundant life. Such a joy filled person can give it all away and still be the richest of people, because what they have the world didn't give to them, nor can it be taken away. Give in secret and enjoy the greatest of rewards from your Father in heaven who sees in secret.