Sermon On The Mount: The Right Way To Help
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. 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. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
Matthew 6:1-5 (NKJV)
The right way to give help is DISCREETLY. Discreet means 'maintaining silence about something of a delicate nature.' Why?
Oftentimes, people in need don’t want others to know. Helplessness is hard, and they’re embarrassed.
Christ came 'To preach the Gospel to the poor... to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed' (Luke 4:18).
Why them? Because the helpless MOST NEED help. 'The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit' (Psalm 34:18).
He wants you, His disciples, near them, too. 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me' (Matthew 25:40).* Your helping hand can lead others to Christ. But…
Be quiet about it. 'A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter' (Proverbs 11:13). 'A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion' (Psalm 112:5).
If you aren't discreet, two things may happen:
When you publicize the good deed you did, you also publicize a private need.
When you exalt yourself, you’re bound to fall: 'Whoever exalts himself will be humbled' (Matthew 23:12).
'Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty Hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time' (1 Peter 5:6).
How? Humble yourself by taking no credit. If God put you in a place to give help, do so eagerly. But He’s the One Who deserves the credit– not actors, models, and talent for Christ.
So what if you're just an extra on set…
So what if your name isn't in big lights…
So what if your credit seems very small?
God 'Himself reward you openly.'
What if the industry elevates you?
Seize the moment, but defer the glory.
Peter did. Paul and Barnabas did, too.
Because the King of all kings did it first.**
So here’s your unchangeable storyline: Give 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!' (Luke 2:14).
Sermon On The Mount: The Right Way To Help (Part 15)
* Random House Dictionary.
** The biblical significance of helping others: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A31-46&version=NKJV
** 'When Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone' (John 6:15).
** 'As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, 'Stand up; I myself am also a man' (Acts 10:25-26).
** ' 'The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!'...'But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out and saying, 'Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them' ' (Acts 14:11,14-15).
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.