Give and don’t tell anybody about it

When you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.  Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. – Matthew 6:3-4

Remember when Jesus would do all those cool things for people like open blinded eyes, make lame legs walk, and heal of leprosy?  What would he say to them?  “See to it that you tell no one!”  For whatever reason, we just can’t resist telling.  I know I end up posting about it on here or sharing it with someone.  Of course, I come up with a good reason to do so.  Today, let’s give/help someone and find out what a reward from the Father looks like.  I’d rather have that than another “atta boy” from another human.

Get completely alone with God and talk to Him

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private.  Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. – Matthew 6:6

Sometimes I’m super convicted when I feel like I’ve said a fervent prayer before or after I preach.  I realize often in that moment that I haven’t done anything like that all week with just Him and me.  I think of this verse, and it bothers me.  Today, let’s all get completely alone with Him and pour our hearts out to Him.  

Fast and don’t act like you’re fasting

And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting.  I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.  But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.  Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private.  And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.  – Matthew 6:16-18

Nothing lets your own flesh know that the Holy Spirit is in control of your body and mind than fasting.  I know I can let television shows numb my mind, I can let food comfort me, and too often I let all sorts of things that aren’t good for me bring me pleasure.  Remember when Paul said that he does the things he doesn’t want to do, and then turns around and doesn’t do the things he knows he should do? (See Romans 7) There is a cure for that . . . fast.  Force your body and mind to go without the phone, food, and tv.  Resist the temptation to tell others how difficult it is, because it is difficult.  Spend that time with God and His Word, and don’t post a pic of your open Bible with your coffee next to it and tell everyone you’re about to do it.  This doesn’t have to be 40 days in the wilderness.  We can do it for one evening, one weekend, or one week.  You and God set the parameters and the timeline.  Then, and only then, we just might find out what it looks like for God Himself to reward us openly.

Lord, there is no one like You.  Help us who say we follow You to really follow You.  I don’t want to go through this life wasting my rewards from You for some pitiful little praise from some person I may or may not know.  I want to live for You.  I want to do the things You ask me to do.  Unfortunately, I just do not seem to do them on my own.  Trust and obey . . . there really is no other way to be happy in You.  You say, “when you give, pray, fast,” not “If you feel like it” or “if you decide to.”  These are not suggestions, and what a promise You give us if we do them!  Help us to be obedient today, and may You richly reward all who choose to honor and worship You today.  Amen.