Poor People: Charity Shows

If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:3 (NKJV)

When people “show” their charitable deeds, they’re recognized, lauded, and applauded. New friends (or customers) are drawn to them.

If the charity is a donation, they may get reductions in their taxes. It seems like a win-win situation, The receiver “wins” and the giver “wins”. In the eyes of the world, it surely is!

But our Lord doesn’t look at things that way. Why? Consider a few possible reasons:

  • We may begin to feel “proud” of ourselves and increasingly seek man’s approval.

  • We may start to desire worldly idols, and take our eyes off the far better Prize…

  • The pearl of great price, namely Jesus Christ, and the path to find Him: HUMILITY!

Therefore, with direct specificity, God gives Christians different instructions. Our gifts are to remain anonymous. If we humble ourselves in our giving, if we refuse to blow our own trumpets, Heaven will cheer and God will reward us!*

Remember Judas, a phony good guy, who was tested by his Teacher (and failed). In his job to manage ministry gifts– he rebuked the “waste” of Mary’s great gift, when she washed Christ’s feet with costly perfume....

Jesus knew Judas was a secret thief– and beneath his pretense of loving God… was greed, self-importance. and treachery.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Whatever resources we think are ours, whatever gifts or talents God gave us, whatever work and diligence brings us, the success we think is OUR OWN… isn’t!

We’re no more (and no less!) than God’s stewards– because without Him, we would have NOTHING.

If we give for any reason but love, specifically who and what God loves (and He doesn’t love “announcing” our gifts), then we shouldn’t expect godly rewards.

Poor People: Charity Shows (Part 26)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. 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.

* 'One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed' (Proverbs 19:17).

Carey Arban