A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

NO ACCOLADES   

Matthew 6:2-4 “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 . . . But when you give to the needy, 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.” 

The sinful human ego wants to be stroked. The Jewish Pharisees, with whom Jesus regularly had to deal, were noted for their personal need for recognition for their good works. From the way they dressed to where they wanted to be seated in a public gathering, they sought public recognition.   

There is no evidence that the Pharisees had trumpeters go out into the streets to draw attention to announce to their community the good things they were doing. Their left hand did know what their right hand was doing as does yours. Jesus was making a point with the use of hyperbole. Hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration in order to emphasize something.   

Jesus’ point is a Christian’s good works are done, not for recognition, or to receive accolades from others or from God Himself. A true good work is done naturally flowing out of the love and mercy God has shown to a believer. A Christian loves and does good out of genuine response to the love and good they have received from God through Christ Jesus. Jesus said, “even as I have loved you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) 

God’s blessings, not man’s accolades, are all that matters. The good that you do as a Christian you do to His glory, not your own. This is what St. Paul exhorts in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God . . . not seeking (your) own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” 

God has chosen you to witness to the world His love for all. You are in the world to draw attention to Him, not yourself. Doing all you do to the glory of God does just that. God has highly exalted Jesus, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at His name every knee should bow. (Philippians 2:9)  

Prayer: Grant, O Lord, that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart is acceptable to You for You are my God and Jesus my Redeemer. In His name. Amen. 

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!  O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!  Let all who hear Now to His temple draw near,  Joining in glad adoration! 

Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things is wondrously reigning
And, as on wings of an eagle, uplifting, sustaining.
Have you not seen All that is needful has been
Sent by His gracious ordaining? 

Praise to the Lord, who has fearfully, wondrously made you,
Health has bestowed and, when heedlessly falling, has stayed you.
What need or grief Ever has failed of relief?
Wings of His mercy did shade you. 

Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;
Surely His goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew What the Almighty can do
As with His love He befriends you.  

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the Amen Sound from His people again;
Gladly forever adore Him!  (LSB 790)