“3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” – Matthew 6:3-4 (ESV)
Transparency is something I know that I am taught and teach in my role as a corporate training professional. I have read and studied on that topic and truly believe that it is the best policy to let others know what you are doing and the reasons for it. It is vital to the health of an organization to allow others to see and know the work that is being done so they are able to assist and feel a part of the work, not just being asked to do the work.
And this is also a sticking point as to being outspoken about all that we are doing. It is important to allow others to see what is taking place so that they are able to take place themselves. What is being said here by Jesus is to guard against the seeking of rewards here in this world. We are to do what is right for His sake and not our own. It is not important that everyone see what we are doing and frankly we should not be drawing attention to ourselves or the actions we are taking. Boasting about “all of the charitable work” one is doing and showing all that which comes from it is self-aggrandizement and a demonstration of putting your work ahead of the charitable work. We should be doing what is right by God and allow Him to provide the reward for our actions.
It is great to celebrate the solving of a problem or providing for a need. It may even be a great idea to draw attention to the problem or need to drive others to help out where they can. But that is where we have to be careful. It is not about our work on that problem or need. We should draw attention to the problem or need and not our role in that. We should be careful to not make it about us. It is about the need or problem and who is there to solve it should not be of consequence. The person or organization that is to solve the problem or need should not be the point of the action taken. There does not need to be an awards ceremony or a press release to honor those that helped, only the celebration of the solving of the problem or provision for the need. The who should be secretive and known primarily to God as he will reward you for the work.
What role do you play where problems are presented and needs are found? Are you willing to help only if you get the credit for the work being done? What if you just do the work of God in secret and present the need for more work to be done in the interest of solving the problems and providing for the needs?
Trevor's Thoughts 