Good deeds are commanded in scripture. God commands that we do for others, give to charity and help one another. There is no formula nor is there a set of deeds that we must accomplish while we are here. What He does tell us is not to let the left hand know what the right hand is doing. (Matthew 6:3) The concept behind this teaching is what we do in charity or good deeds should be between the Christian and the Lord. The only really good reason for sharing with another the good deeds we are involved in is for support. For instance, if a Christian is going to distribute food to the needy and needs to enlist help in preparing the food, that is a valid reason for sharing. There is no good reason to share with other people for the focus or spotlight is upon the Christian and the Christian is glorified by man for their good deeds. That is of the world and the flesh.
The message is not that we must be so secretive that we must take extraordinary measures to ensure no one finds out but that there is to be no ‘publishing’ of our deeds. There is to be no pride. When the human flesh speaks about good deeds, there is an air of pride for we are bringing the focus on ourselves. To speak about working as a volunteer in a soup kitchen is seeking accolades. Good deeds are to be done in secret. (Matthew 6:4).
Giving to the Needy
“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 (ESV)
If we speak of our good deeds, we violate Matthew 6:1. It is not pleasing to God for when we speak of it, we are accepting the good praise of man for what we do. We speak of it to receive recognition for our acts. There is no recognition from man if we do it in secret. The recognition or reward comes later from our Father who is in heaven.
Jesus is not condemning public giving. Jesus is condemning the spirit which seeks recognition for our good deeds. If we’re speaking about it, we’re seeking recognition. Our flesh loves the recognition and that is why we do it and that is why God said to do it in secret. Our flesh desires to be recognized. In due time, He will reward what we do in secret. If what we do is in secret, God will receive the glory while we will receive a reward from our Father.
We must learn to practice good deeds that pleases God. We do that by learning to give in secret and to give without self-praise or seeking the praise or good will of man for what we do.
Do we tell others? Do we talk about it? The answer to the question is really very simple. Does talking about it bring glory to God? Are we receiving praise or accolades? Do we want our fellow Christians to think better of us because of our good deeds? Why are we talking about it? Do we say “God gets the glory” while we are receiving praise? Is our ego boosted as we boast about our deeds? Deep down, do we want people to know? Are we “accidently” letting it slip? If we’re talking or doing our deeds in such a way that it is known, who really is getting the glory? We have shined the spotlight on ourselves.
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