The Secret Life of Successful Christians: Part 1- Giving

The Secret Life

Of Successful Christians

Introduction:

"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven." -Matthew 6:1

In chapter 6 of Matthew, Jesus is giving us practical instruction on Christian living. Specifically, He causes us to focus on our motives. Whom, exactly, are we trying to please? It is entirely possible, it seems, to spend a lifetime doing "righteous" things and yet, not be right with God. Jesus tells us to "beware" of the temptation to live for the applause of people. He further tells us, that if that is our motivation, we forfeit any heavenly reward.

Part 1: Giving in Secret

 "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." - Matthew 6:2-4 ESV

Giving is Important

Giving of our time and substance to the kingdom of God is essential for the spiritual health of the Christian. Jesus also said,

"If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?" - Luke 16:11 ESV

In Matthew 25 Jesus tells about the coming judgment of the nations. The litmus test between the "sheep" and the "goats" is determined by the way in which the "least of these" were treated in regard to their physical needs.

Avoiding Hypocrisy

The word Hypocrite comes from the Greek word hypokritēs which literally means "actor". In Jesus' day it did not necessarily have the same negative connotation that we associate with the word "hypocrite" today. Jesus is telling us not behave as an actor on a stage playing to the crowd. We are not to seek the applause, fanfare or even approval of the people around us. We are to give secretly and silently. The reward we seek must not be the praise of people, but the approval of God.

In Luke 10, Jesus tells the parable of the "Good Samaritan". Neither the priest nor the Levite stopped to help the hurt man. Why? Perhaps it was because no one was there to witness the act of compassion. This gives us an example of "secret giving".

Things to ponder...

1. Do I only give if my giving is "tax deductible"?

2. Should I avoid public giving because someone might see me?

3. Do I ever put something small in the offering because others might be watching and disapprove if they don't see me give?

4. Would I feel jealous if someone else was publicly praised for my contribution, gift or idea?

5. How important is it to show an example of giving to those over which I have influence (ie. my children)?

6. How does the following verse apply to this subject?

"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." James 2:17-18 ESV

To view the next lesson, click HERE.

Supporting missionaries without losing wealth.

 It seems to me that people respond to a call for missions giving in one of three ways:

First, there are a few people who simple refuse to give into a missions program. For these people I truly feel pity. They are robbing themselves of one of the greatest blessings on earth. There is nothing quite as fulfilling as being able to give generously into the lives of others, expecting nothing in return.  It is wonderful to recieve God's blessings into our lives, but unless we have an outlet through which we can bless others will become stagnant and eventually lifeless like the Great Salt Lake  or the Dead Sea.

The second kind of response comes from the person who has learned the blessing and joy of giving to missions. They have realized their greater calling in life and with whatever means they have they delight to do their part in spreading the Gospel. To these people we owe a heart felt "thank you."

Third, is the group who agrees in principle, but not in practice. They agree with Christian missionary outreach. They want to give, but they feel like they can't afford it.

Maybe this is you.

Maybe you are looking at "giving" the wrong way.

I want you to think of something that costs about $1000 that you either need, want or will need in the next year. Maybe it is a set of tires. Or a new appliance. Or a rifle. Or a set of stainless steel pot and pans with copper bottoms. Whatever it is, my guess is, that if I could offer that to you today for $100 you would find some way to come up with $100--even though you can't afford it. Why? Because you see the value. You may lose $100 in cash but you will gain $1000 worth of mechandise. In this scenario you spend your money because losing money increases your overall wealth. You give away $100 but end up $900 richer.

 

Here is the thing, if you could come up with $100 for stuff you can come up with $100 for missions. You just have to see the value.  I want you to read this verse from the Gospel of Matthew:  

" Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." [Mat 6:19-21 KJV]

Did you see that? Jesus isn't tell you not to lay up treasure. He is telling you to choose the right bank to put it in.

When we give to missions we are not giving away our wealth, we are multiplying it.  When we give to missions programs we are losing a little cash, but we are gaining wealth in other ways. Giving lets us reach people, eternal souls really, with the life saving message of the gospel.  Steering a soul toward heaven is the greatest wealth any of us can gain.

So, giving to missions is not a loss of wealth, but a multiplication of our wealth. Yeah, you'll lose a little cash but in doing so you transfer treasure to a place "where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal".




Have a great day!