No Left-No Right
Matthew 6:1-4
“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.
2 “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. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
There are no political issues here.
The subject is based on a preexisting condition.
The preexisting condition is our pride.
Pride may seem under control.
No boasting, no puffed-up ego in sight.
But when self is involved, pride can break out uninvited any moment.
Pride is a dangerous thing.
Jesus said.
Not left.
Not right.
He knows how to end our excuses.
He does this because He loves us.
He teaches.
Not left.
Not right.
God calls us to do good for our neighbors.
Jesus calls this “acts of righteousness.”
But-Do not boast of your goodness to others.
Jesus said, “Do not do your acts of righteousness…to be seen by them.”
Expect no credit for your good deeds.
No pat on the back.
No thanks.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Without expecting anything in return.
Human pride makes this impossible.
Then Jesus says: “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 done in secret.”
That’s…
No left.
No right.
Secret.
No “look at me!”
No donor names on signs.
But we say, “Jesus, our hands are connected!”
How can we possible do this?
A pastor explained it this way, “Giving is between you and God, and the very minute you get a third party involved, you get no credit in heaven.” (J. Vernon McGee, Through the Bible. 1983.)
Earthly credit never lasts.
Earthly credit stokes our egos creating new pride problems.
There are MANY needy.
Jesus knows every need.
When He prompts us to help someone in need…follow His lead.
No left.
No right.
We need no recognition for doing good.
We need no glory.