Matthew 6:2
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others.
Have you ever noticed that there are no classes or self help books on how to be humble? It’s because humble people don’t realize that they are.
Here are two verses about humility that seem to clash from Jesus’ beatitudes (in the same sermon). Both seem to be opposite yet both talk about the same thing.
Matthew 6:2-4
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as thehypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to theneedy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
This seems to contradict an earlier statement.
Matthew 5:17
Make your light shine, so others will see the good you do and will praise your Father in heaven.
The 2nd one has been my theme song since we started Pure Heart 6 years ago.
There is no way we could have made such an impact on so many lives for theglory of God, except by letting others know what we do. This is a group effort, donators, supporters, and prayer warriors need to see results. The community is impacted through mass prayer and giving. Most donators originated from Facebook, as a matter of fact.
I wish there was a humbler way to get the word out about what we do but there isn’t. When I don’t post on facebook, donations stop. When I do, donations flow. God, I feel, wants me to post because when our light shines, our heavenly Father gets praised. Plus, others are motivated to help, which is even better for the giver than the recipients, the children.
To get the word out I have to swallow my pride, humble myself, and post away! If anyone can help me with that, or to raise donations another way, I am all ears. Publicizing what you do is very humbling. If you love others more than you love your self esteem, however, you will see that it is needed and do whatis necessary. The love of Christ constrains me.
Most Christians are truly good and humble people. Jesus wasn’t talking about them in Matthew 6:2-4. He was referring to people who sought praise for themselves instead of praise for our heavenly Father.
Jesus says ‘be humble’ in both of these beatitudes. He wasn’t contradicting Himself between Matthew 5+6. My definition of true Christian humility is coined by John the Baptist in John 3:30 ‘I must decrease so He can increase’. Humility is letting others get ahead of you. Preferring one another. Helping one another and cheering them on even if they win and you loose. Most importantly, humility means giving all the praise to God.
Thank you for helping us to help the children here so the onlookers will Praise our Heavenly Father
Dean