Sharing

Matthew 6:1-4 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

It is interesting to me that what God calls "practicing righteousness" in this context is merely just "sharing." I have four children. The second youngest turned two yesterday. I have noticed already that he is beginning to show an attitude of anger over possessions. He will tell the dog not to play with a particular toy because it is his. He will lift his voice and say, "no Buddy…my monkey!"(Buddy is our dog) But I can't help thinking, "what do you mean that it is YOURS, was it not a gift to you from another?" What does my son actually own? What do you and I own that was not a gift from another?

My understanding is that everything we possess is a gift from God. It is loaned to us, and we should steward all that God has given us, with wisdom and generosity. Do I do this faithfully? No, that is one of the reasons I spend my mornings in the Bible; to continually speak truth to myself.

Jesus says that we can actually do righteous acts here on this earth. What are they? Sharing. Doesn't seem that hard when I state it like that does it? We teach our kids to share from the moment they can speak. We innately know that sharing is good, and selfishness is wrong. And we are quick to enjoy when others around us share what they have with us. But are we as adults quick to share the resources we have with those in need around us? Beware though; least you go out and give to the needy just to be noticed by others. You will have a reward (praise from men), but not from the Eternal Rewarder…