Oct 22 Devotion: Why Do We Do What We Do?

Matthew 6:1-4

1 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.

2 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.

3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:

4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

         Why do we do what we do? That is a good question, and some insight into this question is found in this passage from Matthew 6. “Alms” is defined as the benevolent giving to those in need. It is an act of kindness and compassion. This teaching from Jesus tells us not to do this in such a way that would draw attention to ourselves. It is not for the praise of men but should be done solely as an act of a compassionate, caring heart. No one needs to know that you did it. Your personal reward is to know that you have helped someone. If there are other motives, then you have tainted your actions with selfish desires.

         This tells us that why we do what we do is very important. Our motivation is fully known by God. When he tells us that if our motives are wrong, then whatever reward there may be, we already have. Men may applaud our actions, but God looks at it as a selfish act that is seeking men’s attention, and he gives no reward for selfishness. But if it is given out of love and in a way that does not draw attention, then God will reward that kindness. Be assured, God knows exactly why we do what we do.

         Let us consider one more point on this subject. God does not honor what we do if our motive is to get a reward from him. We may do it in secret because that is what the Bible says, but if we are doing it so God will bless us, then it is still a selfish motive. We should live for God and do what we do because we love the Lord and want to serve him out of a pure heart. We should not be giving to get, but giving because it is right to do. It is true, God will take care of his own, but God’s reward is God’s business. Don’t think you can manipulate God by your actions.

In Christ’s Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5