Alfred Nobel invented the detonator in 1863 and the blasting cap 2 years later. Then, in 1867 he invented dynamite—something he hoped would revolutionize the mining and construction industries. It certainly did that, but dynamite also became the basis of munitions for a century, with variations of it used in wars even today. Nobel would likely be saddened to know that something he intended for good has been used to cause great destruction.
Similarly, if we start to make a lot of noise about the good stuff we’ve done, it can also lead to some destruction. Sure, it’s tempting to believe that letting others know about the good we’ve done is beneficial. After all, it’s nice to hear a positive story of charity amid all the bad news that comes our way. And perhaps our generosity will spur others to follow in our footsteps. Right?
So why did Jesus teach that we should not do works of charity in public, but in secret instead where only God can see? I think the answer has something to do with self-idolatry. Self-idolatry, that sin of lifting ourselves up for others to admire and even to worship, is like dynamite. No matter how good our intentions might be, engaging in self-idolatry will bring about bad results. Our bent as human beings to rebel against God ensures a path of destruction. It’s interesting to note that the very first command God gave to Israel was to worship Him alone (Exodus 20:3). This wasn’t only for His sake, but for our well-being!
Jesus calls us to humbly do good things—as if our left hand doesn’t know what our right is doing (Matthew 6:3). This honors God, allows us to receive His blessing (Matthew 6:4), and keeps us from the destructive path of self-idolatry.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 7:36–8:3
More:
Read Acts 5:1-11 for a tragic story from the early church about a couple who failed to give to God and others unselfishly.
Next:
Can you think of other reasons why Jesus so strongly warned us not to share our good works in public? How can you become content with giving in secret as Jesus instructed?
Gary Shultz on July 7, 2015 at 7:27 am
Good thoughts. I have to ask myself why I’m I doing this? As you mentioned it is God’s plan bringing glory to Him in allowing His Spirit to work through us, rewarding to Him and us. To do other wise will bring poor none lasting results. Sometimes I just do things because people asks and I can accomplish what is asked. To me, it must all stem from a heart of willingness to show His love. Thanks
Tom Felten on July 7, 2015 at 9:08 am
Good thoughts, Gary. I’m grateful that even thought our spiritual DNA—our sin nature—can lead us to make selfish choices out of pride, the Holy Spirit works in us to prompt us to make choices that honor God and convicts us when we don’t.
poohpity on July 7, 2015 at 12:12 pm
I guess this another one of those two sided things. In Titus it says to do good to be an example(Titus 2:7). I guess it comes down to the motivation of the heart. There are people who actually are not aware of good deeds that could be done and need to be instructed.
Roxanne Robbins on July 7, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Echoes something Pastor Scott Sauls posted this morning after he spent time studying Psalm 107: Disobedience yields misery. Misery prompts us to cry for help. God responds to our cries to Him with grace and rescue. What a loving Father we have who repeatedly responds to our sins by offering grace and rescue.