Pastor Terry Cheek Th.D.

Often when we study the Lords sermon on the Mount we stop at the end of Matthew chapter 5. I will continue through chapter 6 and into chapter 7. In Matthew chapter 5 we witnessed the Lords rejection of the Pharisees interpretation of the law. We were able to learn from Jesus himself what it means to live righteousness. Now the Lord takes us farther with a correction of the Pharisees practice of Gods law. There are acts or behavior which we place a great deal of emphasis on, we even refer to it as righteousness. Among these acts are charity or almsgiving, prayer and even fasting. The Lord has a great deal to teach regarding each one. With that said we are going to look at Matthew chapter 6, verses 1-4. "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. (2) Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. (3) But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (4) that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” The Pharisees had perverted this activity and used it to gain an unrealistic reputation for piety. Christ warned in 6:1 “Take Heed” because if His disciples, even you and I, practiced charity as hypocritically as the Pharisees there would be no reward! A warning to take seriously, indeed.

We remember in 5:7 that Jesus had pronounced blessings on the merciful. Almsgiving was designed to be an outward display of mercy show by Gods people. Charity or almsgiving was practiced in Jesus day from the Synagogue, and today it is practiced from the local church. It is to be practiced with integrity and dignity toward those receiving help. Matthew 6:2 tells us not to advertise or publicize help when provided. There is nothing gained by glorifying ourselves in front of others, or gaining public attention from help we offer. The Lord plainly tells us to keep our charity a secret. As a pastor I have had too many conversations with families who suffered needlessly because they would not make a need known. The repeated reason, people at the church talk when they are asked to help. Without sounding judgmental, I will say only this, the local church hurts not only their reputation but the testimony of the Lord by behaving this way, if the comments are true.

But what about those who misrepresent or even lie about need in order to obtain money or goods. Let’s be honest, we all know it happens. My experiences have been in these situations there are children who are innocent victims of alcohol and or drug abuse. I suggest the church or association ask for a bill, then payment be made directly to the debtor. If its food that is needed, if a food bank is available use it. Otherwise us gift cards from grocery stores and place limits on the type of purchase that can be made with them. There are options available, yes it may take a little work and effort on behalf of the church, but the help it provides goes a long way for those truly in need.

I remember about 25 yrs. ago I had surgery that kept me out of work for several weeks. I was the only income for my family. The church we attended took up a pounding, it was delivered by the pastor and done in a very dignified manner in private showing a great deal of integrity. I learned about charity through that situation. I still reflect on it today when leading the church to practice charity in a Christ honoring manner.