July 19 | Matthew 6:1-4

Elaine Pierce
Jul 19
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Secret Giving

By Elaine Pierce

I am on the board of a small non-profit that provides hygiene to those in need, and we do it in the name of Jesus. Late last year, we received a very generous gift - the largest ever in our 4-year history. When our executive director called him to thank him, he said "I trust that you are good stewards of the money you receive, and no credit goes to me - it's God's money." I will admit that I was very surprised by this response. He doesn't want us to name something after him? He doesn't want any recognition? He must have read today's passage!

Another verse that comes to mind when I think about giving is the well-known one in 2 Corinthians 9:7:

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [bold added].

Why is giving such a fraught topic in the church? Scripture has more than 2,000 verses about money - it's a topic that is discussed often and in depth. In today's passage, Jesus reminds his followers that 'showing off' about their giving is not biblical. He urges people to give generously, but not to call attention to their generosity. Oh, that is hard to do! I want others to recognize how Christlike I am, and I would love to be able to meet so many needs in our community, our state, our nation and our world. Hunger needs. Housing needs. Clean water needs. How about first world problems of mental health, addiction, and spiritual poverty?

It starts with motive: the emotional rush that comes from giving to be recognized, to be praised, will soon fade. But 'giving in secret' ensures that God gets the glory. What a wonderful opportunity we have to give out of all that God has done for us! And giving in secret, while it might seem counterintuitive, benefits us with God's favor and his blessing.

PRAYER

Lord, I know that all I have is yours. And yet I have a strong pull to 'show off' to others when I give. Help me to give quietly, in secret, and to bless others with what God has given me. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!