KEY SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:1 KJV “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.”

Our Lord Jesus after talking about a number of issues, instructed His audience not to do their alms before men, in a bid to gain the praises of men. This is a topic a number of us may say it is a very simple matter, and that, we do not make noise about the good deeds we do. I believe this is an issue that touches on a lot of aspects about our life. There are certain choir members who strife among themselves so they would be the lead singers. They do all these things in order to attract the praises of men. There are some preachers who preach to show how eloquent they are. Some people do whatever they do in order to attract the praises of their bosses. In the absence of their bosses, they would do whatever they like. In our passage of discussion, the Lord teaches that, there is a reward from the Lord for whatever kindness we show. Always focus on the rewards God has for you. Do all your good deeds according to His terms.

Apostle Paul tells the brethren in Colossians to do everything not as unto men but unto God. Col 3:23 KJV” And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; “Dear child of God, men are not our ultimate judges but God. He would reward us now, and at the last day. There are many of us who are not able to promptly obey God because of the views of those we claim to admire. If Abraham had enquired of the views of others, could he have presented Isaac as a sacrifice in obedience to God? Apostle Paul says when the Lord called him, he conferred not with flesh and blood. (Galatians 1:16) Do not interfere your service of God with the acknowledgement of men.

When the Lord was giving, the criteria that qualifies one to be His disciples, he said in Luke 14:26 KJV, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” To qualify to be a follower of Jesus, no man must interfere or come between you and Him. He is either the first or not at all. The Christian life is the relationship between man and God with the resultant effect towards men. It is never the relationship between man and man and the resultant effect towards God. God is the reason for our existence. It is that which pleases Him that matters. What really pleases God, is to love all men, and be a blessing to them, yet, do not seek man’s praises, for it is God who would reward you. Put God first always.

CONFESSION.

Thank you, Lord, for your abundant blessings, I likewise express this kindness towards all men, knowing that, it is your goodness that has enabled me to do so. I do not seek the praises of men, Thank you Lord.

FURTHER STUDIES

Matthew 6:2 KJV” Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward”.

Proverbs 19:17 KJV “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again”.