Pleasing God Or People?

Pleasing God or People?

When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. . . . Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Matthew 6:2, 4

He will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.

1 Corinthians 4:5

Think about the last time you did something nice for someone else. Maybe you raised money for a good cause or volunteered your time to help the needy or fixed a meal for someone who was sick. Afterward, did you find a way to let people around you know what you had done? Do you like it when people see you put your money into the offering plate? Do you sometimes find yourself praying in public in a way that will make those listening think you are very spiritual?

If we’re honest, we have to admit that it feels good to be admired by other people and applauded for our good works and spirituality. Jesus understood that we are tempted to practice our faith and do our good works in a way that will capture the attention of others. That’s why he talked specifically about giving, praying, and fasting. He said that if the approval of people is what we’re giving for and living for when we do these things, then we’d better enjoy it thoroughly, because it’s all we can expect to get.

However, if our motive is to please him and we do these things in ways that don’t draw attention to ourselves, we can be confident that he will reward us fully and eternally someday. When we turn away from the public applause of people and instead look for the private approval of God, we enjoy the secret satisfaction of his pleasure now. And we can look forward to the ultimate reward of hearing him say one day, “Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

DISCUSSION STARTERS

What does it mean to give in secret, pray in secret, and fast in secret?

Why do we like for people to know about our generosity and spirituality?

What are the benefits now of keeping our giving, praying, and fasting a secret? What will be the benefits later?