Love… Is NOT A Public Display
Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Matthew 6:1-6 (NLT)
In school, “show and tell” helps kids open up. They not only learn about their classmates, but also gain practice speaking to groups.
In church, some Christians play show and tell, too. They broadcast something “wonderful” they’ve done, which might be called religious “showboating”–
Shiny displays of their “generous hearts”… as seen by their material “blessings” or their lovely works for the Christian church.
In the world, showboating is so common that it seems normal and desirable. Therein, pride, envy, and acquisition are worldly drumbeats directing our steps... or pacemakers directing weakened hearts.
In churches, showboats should be shored or sunk. Humility, sharing, and giving are GODLY drumbeats that should direct our steps. Our One Pacemaker is the love of God.
His love must NOT be a public contest, where points, praise, and back pats are awarded…
For mission trips, congregational size,
Baptisms performed, verses memorized,
Charitable deeds, sacrificial acts,
The # of years a Christian’s been “saved”,
And certainly not a donation’s size.
Remember the widow who gave two mites?** God measures love by the richness of heart!
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Your performances ARE public displays that God is directing for His glory. So don’t accept any guilt about it.
That being said, your off-camera acts should never become publicity stunts. They’re simply for God and need no applause.
Love… Is NOT A Public Display (Part 9)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to models of Jesus, and we all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!