NOV 24 

Matthew 6:1-4
Memorise John 3:30
“He must increase, but I must decrease

Christ warns against giving in order to be seen by others. There will be no heavenly reward for such giving. The scribes and Pharisees had all the outward forms of religion but their hearts were not right with God. They were hypocrites. When they gave, they loved to sound a trumpet and have great fanfare to proclaim how great their works were. Their reward was just the fleeting praise of men, which in Christ’s estimation and eternity in view – was no reward at all. 

Whilst it is easy for us to criticise and judge them, we realise that we are not too different at all. So much of our self‑worth is based on people’s opinion of us, be it friends, family, people in church, teachers and the world at large. Who does not want to look good and be well regarded? We are like the scribes and Pharisees. We are just as prone to do things in order to cultivate a certain image and gain the praise of others. This may even be unconscious. While one might not seek after the praise of others, nevertheless, it is all too easy for praise and flattery to puff us up. Sin can very easily creep into a heart with the right motive. Service can become a source of pride, exercised for self‑glory or due to the fear of men. Such service is hypocritical and displeasing to God, and will not be rewarded by Him.

We live in an ever increasingly image conscious society, where self‑ branding and promotion are the norm and encouraged. All Christians need to be vigilant against such vanity in our service of God. If we truly desire to do good from a pure motive, it does not matter at all whether anyone sees it or not. Giving anonymously helps keep our hearts pure and sincere such that our sole concern is and remains that God is glorified. We give our alms (tithes and offerings) in secret so that there is no opportunity for us to receive any glory or be tempted to show off. Our service and faith must be genuine, and such faith has no place for self. 

Thought: Are there areas of your service that are hypocritical? Why do you choose to serve in some areas and not others?
Prayer: Christ must increase, I must decrease.