Serving So Others See Us

Serving So Others See Us

 So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Matthew 6:2-4 NIV

I was just a kid when my family attended a Sunday afternoon chapel service in an assisted living facility in Carlisle, Pennsylvania where our relative was a resident. Other parents had dragged their children to that chapel service, too. As we walked into the chapel that afternoon, I was amazed at the number of people who were there who had also been in worship with me at my home church. Who knew so many of the people from my own church family gave their time to serve at that nursing home chapel service? It wasn’t something they advertised. They just did it.

When we returned to the car, I couldn’t get over the fact that other families would spend their Sunday afternoons singing worship songs and teaching Scripture to those who were often forgotten in society: the elderly. How did I not know that they were there serving week after week? I was overwhelmed by their selfless humility. I reflected on the faith that that kind of service required. They were spending hours each Sunday afternoon teaching the Bible to those who might not even remember their names. Yet they trusted that God’s Word would not return void. The truths of the Bible were being planted in the hearts of those residents who attended that chapel service, and that was enough of a reward for them.

Now that I’m a pastor, I realize how hard it can be to serve in unseen ways. I’ve noticed that some people’s pride motivates them to want to be noticed and applauded for the things they do. We’re in quite a quandary, aren’t we? We want to help others in need, but we also want that pat on the back for ourselves. In Matthew 6 Jesus confronted our tendency of wanting to practice righteousness in order to be seen by others. Look at that Scripture above again.

Jesus contrasted the hypocrites’ blowing their trumpets when they gave to the needy with those who gave in secret . . . when not even your left hand knows what your right hand is doing (Matthew 6:2–3). The rewards are strikingly different. Public generosity (whether that happens in monetary ways or with acts of service) is rewarded with the praise of humankind. Giving in secret results in a heavenly Father who sees you and will reward you (Matthew 6:4), if not now, in heaven.

Serving in unseen ways reveals the true faith and humility of those who serve. I doubt that they’ll get a tangible reward on earth but instead will find joy and peace in serving God in secret when they walk through glory’s gates.

Serving behind-the-scenes also teaches us contentment. Every Christ-follower has unique gifts and ministries to be used in the service of God’s kingdom (Read Romans 12:4-6). While some of those gifts are more public than others (for example teaching), all of them require submission to the Lord’s will. Serving in unseen ways can result in a quiet contentment in our hearts. We need believers like the people who take out the trash. We need pastors shepherding small congregations. We need

numerous arms to rock babies in the nursery, allowing weary parents to be refreshed by corporate worship. Each of these ministries is vital to the health of the entire body of believers. God values those who are leading chapel services at assisted living facilities just as much as those who preach to thousands in megachurches. The beauty of unseen service shines a spotlight on the One who calls us to serve — not for the praise of humans, but to honor the God who gives us joy and peace as we follow His call.

Thank you for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement. It’s not copyrighted so feel free to share it with someone who needs encouragement today. And, if you’re a regular attender of the Mt. Laurel Church of God or regularly watch the live feed, consider reading Exodus 1:8-2:10 to get ready to worship this coming Sunday, August 23 as Pastor Dale shares some good news from God’s Word for you. And, by the way, we’re back live on Facebook each Sunday morning at 10:30 am and later in the day on YouTube!

Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.