My 13, 2014
Matthew 6:2-4 (in context)
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.
CONSIDER THIS. . .
Trumpets.
They said they needed the trumpets so the poor would know alms were being given in the streets. I mean, what’s the point of giving stuff away if no one is there to get it?
It’s always something like that. I mean, you didn’t really think they would be blowing trumpets as a brazen effort to get people to notice the depth of their generosity did you? No, it was far more subtle; probably the equivalent of a public service announcement today.
Press Releases. It’s a modern day trumpet. We let no good deed of our group or organization go unpublished. We are a non-profit for crying to loud!
Testimonies. Yet another godly strategy for making known our good mission work to others. We are raising awareness, right?
After all didn’t he just say something about letting our light shine so others could see our good works. . . . that this would glorify God? Come on Jesus! What gives!
Here’s a clarifying word from Wesley on point:
But take heed that you do not the least thing with a view to your own glory. Take heed that a regard to the praise of men have no place at all in your works of mercy. If you seek your own glory, if you have any design to gain the honor that comes of men, whatever is done with this view is nothing worth; it is not done unto the Lord; he accepts it not; “you have no reward” for this “of our Father which is in heaven.” p.116.
It makes me wonder: what’s my trumpet of choice?
What’s yours?
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J.D. Walt writes daily for Seedbed’s Daily Text. He serves as Seedbed’s Sower in Chief. Follow him @jdwalt on Twitter or email him at jd.walt@seedbed.com.