eFollowingJesusJan23 - Anonymous giving (Matthew 6:1-4)

   "When you give alms, sound no trumpet"?  In Bible times, "sophar chests" were set up in the temple - trumpet-shaped receptacles that resounded when coins were dropped in, calling attention to the giver.

   No danger of trumpets blaring nowadays.  It's impolite for Church people to talk about money; we practice anonymous giving.  But doesn't anonymous giving easily become anonymous nongiving?  Martin Luther King's father revolutionized the budget of Ebenezer Baptist when he declared all contributions would appear on an open ledger.

   While spiritual humility insists we not flaunt our giving, most of us should be embarrassed by how little we give.  Even tithers:  did you know John Wesley opposed tithing because he thought 10% was too stingy? 

   Your heavenly Father, who sees what you give in secret, will ask for some reckoning when the trumpet sounds at the end of time.  What did you do, not with 10% or whatever money you had leftover after necessities, mortgages, hobbies and diversions - but what did you do with all of it?  What was your support of the poor like?

   Lord, I blush when I remember You know how little I give.  I promise You a revolution in my giving - a secret from others but not from You.

James

james@mpumc.org

Here is the full text of Matthew 6:1-4  -   1: "Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2: "Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3: But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4: so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

The full eFollowingJesus series (thus far!) may be found on our web site.