Solid Rock Devotional
3rd January, 2018
CROWD PLEASERS
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues(churches) and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:2
The question this morning is *" Do we as Christians sincerely follow this teaching of Christ?"* There are many Christian gatherings today where offerings are announced for people to know how much money individuals give as their offerings. I recently visited an unusual church where the treasurer stepped up to the platform, and told the congregation that giving was down. When the offering bag went around, he said everyone was to announce out loud how much they were putting in the bag.
He then proceeded to write the amount each member reported by their name for their records. As the bag went around people began to speak their amounts. ‘One Cedi,’ said one. Another said, in a louder voice, ‘Five Cedis.’ Then another, even louder, ‘twenty Cedis.’ I noticed that people began to get louder and more expressive as the Cedi values went up.
I found it unusual though amusing, but Jesus had something to say specifically about this in Matthew 6. Quite simply Jesus said *"don’t do that."* Our giving is to be so secret that you, ‘do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing’ (Matt 6:3).
If we are after peoples’ applause, we will get our reward in full here and now, the idea other people think we are generous, but will have no reward from heaven. But when we act before God alone, we are investing with returns that will come back to bless us sometimes when we least expect it.
Kindly ask yourself these two questions and sincerely answer them in your chamber.
*1. Do we live before men, or before God?*
*2. Are your deeds of service for those watching, or for God?*
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help us to adhere to your teachings in Jesus name....Amen
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 1:35-51
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