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Showing Off, Then and Now, Addendum

Yesterday's post was a long read; I'll get to the point here. 

We discussed Matthew 6:1-4 in the Bible study I attend with my pastor and others. It was very meaningful for me, as always, and I trust it is for them. 

“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you [a]openly.

I use the NKJV, which has its good and not as good points; the word "openly" does not appear in the NU (Nestle-Aland) and M (Majority) texts; the first mention of charitable deeds is translated "righteousness" in other versions. 

The idea of someone blowing a trumpet when they give a donation on the street or elsewhere is kind of funny to me, and perhaps, just perhaps, Jesus was using a recent example that was not an everyday one but did happen in their community. Also "left hand not knowing what the right hand" is doing is also impossible, and an exaggeration for effect, I think. Also, "secret" doesn't exactly go along with your good deeds being seen by men for God's glory (light shine before men), so I think we have to take this in context and not get too self-condemning when we have a good feeling about charity or generosity. Having a cheerful heart in our giving and other acts means we acknowledge them to ourselves. 

I pointed out that the widow's mite story is relevant here. She had little to give, gave it quietly, and expected no recognition. She got it from Jesus, and the gospel writer recorded it, but that was never expected--like the woman who lovingly washed Jesus feet, although a little extreme for our tastes (with her hair, I mean), we know her story although she never expected it. Joy is the reward of such acts. 

The reward we seek and receive is intimacy and joy in our relationship with the Father. We just need to remind ourselves when we get puffed up (wow, I'm a great person, I gave some money our of my Western excess!)  to keep our mouths shut and give God glory that you can help someone. I don't see any reason to get self-critical for feeling good about doing good. That's a falseness in itself, or can be. 

I think when we focus on being "perfect" we can become so particular that we miss the whole. 

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