Why Do I Give?
LENT 2023 | DAY 13
Matthew 6:1-4 (NIV)
(Alvin Chua, Chairperson, Christian Outreach and Social Concerns)
READ:
Matthew 6:1-4 (NIV)
DAILY REFLECTION:
I have been serving in our Christian Outreach and Social Concerns (COSC) Ministry in various capacities for many years. As I look back, I believe that God has used me to reach out to and impact the lives of many. My effort has gained acknowledgement not only from COSC beneficiaries but also fellow co-labourers in Christ. Despite my weaknesses and limitations, I have always been grateful to God for giving me the opportunity and grace to serve Him in various roles, and in different seasons.
However, I also felt a sense of pride in these roles. Was this so that my ‘righteousness’ would be noticed by others?
Some time ago, I had a conversation with a friend with a successful career. We spoke about volunteering in church, especially in leadership positions. My friend shared that in his opinion, the main reason or motivation for people to serve sacrificially of their time was a desire to be recognised, to have a sense of achievement in life which they might not have had outside of the church. I disagreed. I argued that many of our church leaders, clergy or laypersons, are often either in prestigious positions in their respective fields, or have great potential to succeed in the commercial world, but chose to sacrifice their time to do God’s kingdom work. However, this doesn’t quite apply to me for I am neither in a highly achieving prestigious job nor have I sacrificed other potential opportunities to do kingdom work. So did his comments describe some truth about my past years of service? A more disturbing question is: am I a hypocrite like those described in Matthew 6:2?
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus also said: “You are the light of the world….let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
I feel relieved and encouraged by these verses. I understand that there is always a fine line drawn between right and wrong motivations. If my motive to share about my social work is to show others the goodness of our great God or to edify fellow co-labourers, then I should share openly but humbly about it. God always blesses me with abundant encouragement and recognition from others, and I should receive it with joy and thanksgiving. May I be reminded that service to God is part of being a disciple instead of something I do to feel proud of myself. I will keep praying that God will give us a pure heart in serving. In the words of the apostle Paul, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 10:17)
FAMILY DISCUSSION POINTERS:
1. Jesus commanded Christians to do good deeds. Why do you think this is important?
2. When and how do you share about the good deeds you have done?
3. If you have blessed the needy, how has it transformed or impacted you? If you have not, what is stopping you?
