A person’s character is revealed when his motives are viewed for what they really are. The issue of Matthew 6:1-4 is motive for giving. Acts of worship are to be focused on God, not on gaining

the attention of others. Jesus gave two commands regarding the spiritual discipline of giving. First, don’t brag about your giving—“sound no trumpet before you.” (v. 2) Righteous deeds performed to impress others never impress God. Why would someone do that anyway? It is because giving is not a regular practice and they want people to think it is. The term “hypocrite” comes from the ancient Greek theater referring to an actor who used masks to express various emotions. In the New Testament, “hypocrite” describes a person who seeks to deceive others. Showing off your good deeds nullifies any spiritual benefit you might receive. Second, don’t have second thoughts about your giving—“do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” (v. 3) Giving quietly gives no temptation to glorify the one doing the giving. Verse 5:16 reads, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Is there a contradiction? No! The issue is the motive: do not let your left hand know = no second thoughts. This does not imply (a) not keeping a record of gifts, (b) being irresponsible in finances or (c) refusing to disclose giving. On a panel, John Maxwell answered my question, “If a person refuses to use an envelope in giving, it reveals he isn’t really a giver.” Of course, using an envelope doesn’t prove a tither either. The interrogator of my ordination council asked, “If I looked into the financial records of the church, would I find demonstration that you are committed to tithing?” How could it have been proved without a record? Give as a response of love for God’s glory, not for your own.

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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