LIFE SCRIPTS

that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:4 KJV

How do I give? Rather, what intentions do I have when giving? Man looks at the outward appearance. God looks at the heart. I believe that giving is more than just meeting the needs of others. It’s about our attitude towards God. We give because God institutes that responsibility on us to give. At the end we are answerable to Him and Him alone. When we give to the poor, is our attitude about being recognized by men? Do we give to receive applaud? Do we give to the poor to appear good before others? I remember the story of the poor widow who gave the last coin as an offering. If it were not for Christ’s all knowing nature, she would have passed as just another person who gave among many. In fact, if it was in a Harambee meeting in Kenya, she would have been despised. But according to Christ, she demonstrated the highest form of sacrificial giving. Why? Because she gave out of her lack. Many in our midst do so. Picture the lady who uses her meagre resources while living in the slums to raise destitute children; or the man who does odd jobs to fend for both his immediate family and the children of his deceased siblings; or the working class executive who forfeits his or her lunch three times a week to feed needy family. These are just examples of people who go on with their daily routines but remember to give not to be recognized but to honor God. Such should be our attitude. Not to seek recognition by men. But to serve and please God as we give.