While recently listening to a...
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While recently listening to a public radio broadcast, I heard some social science experts
talk about motives for charity giving. They discussed the various things that prompt us to
give. Many of their observations about human nature weren't kind. It's true that some give
only if the hospital erects a plaque or names a wing after them. People like that were
around in Jesus' time, too. They wanted trumpet calls to accompany the clink of their
coins in the coffers.
Most of us like to be known as good people. We want folks to speak well of us. How else can we get that done unless we do good deeds? Jesus waved a caution flag for us on the subject, though. If we do nice things only for the praise we'll receive, we might impress our fellow earthlings, but not God. In fact, Jesus warned that if you announce your gifts, you've already gotten your reward, so don't expect any kudos from him.
Most of us like to be known as good people. We want folks to speak well of us. How else can we get that done unless we do good deeds? Jesus waved a caution flag for us on the subject, though. If we do nice things only for the praise we'll receive, we might impress our fellow earthlings, but not God. In fact, Jesus warned that if you announce your gifts, you've already gotten your reward, so don't expect any kudos from him.
