Life throws storms our way, and we need to be prepared. We've been exploring spiritual practices to build a strong foundation, like Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. Last week, we talked about fasting, a practice of abstinence. This week, we're shifting to a practice of engagement: serving.
The Warning: Don't Display Your Righteousness
In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus says, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 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. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Jesus warns against displaying our righteousness. Why? Because true righteousness isn't about showing off; it's about genuine service.
The Problem: Hypocrisy
Jesus uses the word "hypocrite," which means "actor." Are we play-acting at righteousness? Are we putting on a show, or is our service genuine?
Our righteousness comes from Christ. It's a gift of grace. If we're just pretending, we don't truly have His righteousness. That's a sobering thought.
The Call: Quiet, Faithful Service
Jesus calls us to serve quietly and intentionally. He uses the metaphor of not letting your left hand know what your right hand is doing. It's about being intentional in our service, doing it without seeking recognition.
We are made righteous by Christ, and our service should flow from that. As James says, "Pure and undefiled religion is caring for the widows and orphans."
The Example: "A Few Good Men"
Think of the movie "A Few Good Men." The characters are challenged to protect those who can't protect themselves. That's what Jesus is calling us to do.
He doesn't qualify who deserves our help. He simply says, "When you give to the needy." We are to serve because it's who we are, not because someone is worthy.
The Benefit: Joy and Acceptance
Serving others brings joy, and it also allows us to receive help when we need it. When we serve, we understand the joy of receiving help, and we can accept it when it's offered to us.
Your Challenge:
- Are you serving? Are you intentionally caring for those in need?
- Are you serving in secret? Or are you seeking recognition?
"Needy" isn't just about financial need. It can be relational, emotional, or social. It's about those on the fringes, those who can't help themselves.
Practical Ways to Serve:
- Have coffee with someone lonely.
- Invite a neighbor to dinner.
- Offer a listening ear.
Serving isn't always about grand gestures. It's about loving well.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us serve out of the righteousness you've given us. Keep us from hypocrisy, and help us serve quietly and faithfully. May we hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." In Jesus' name, Amen.
