Serving from the Secret Place

 Serving from the Secret Place 

But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. Matt.6.3-4.

In a generation where most people wouldn't want any act of service to God or humanity except when it's publicised or announced. Most Church members  want their  names mentioned before responding to calls to serve. Everyone loves the pulpit ministry but most people can't pay the hidden sacrifice. They love public recognition more than heavenly recognition.  Many do not serve to be rewarded by God but to be applauded by men. I see a need to re-examine how our service to God is done especially at a time like this when fame and public approval seem to appeal to many more than God’s words and commands. 

The Secret Place is the best place to serve, planting season is often  silent and hidden. Sow your seeds whether in the form of prayer, fasting or giving silently and discreetly. Jesus taught that the best way to give as a believer is to do it without letting others know. This is signifying humility and simplicity. God wants us to be humble even in the place of prayer. The act of bended knees is synonymous to being humble and submissive before God. Express yourself to Him humbly and secretly. When we brag about the hours spent before God in prayers or turn prayer to only noisy and dramatic acts just to feel good within ourselves or to get the people's approval of our spirituality, Jesus says we have received our rewards already. 

As much as many love giving and praying in public places for others to see or applaud, it doesn't automatically mean it's divinely approved. This act is becoming a custom in many churches today as many leaders believe if you do not make them do it openly or allow them display it by announcing it publicly, they wouldn't give big. The standard of God hasn't changed. Jesus was explicit about the act of giving,  fasting and praying being done secretly. He appreciates it more and rewards those who will give and pray only unto Him in Spirit and in Truth. It is called  prayer not a show.  It is called  service not doing God or the Church a favour. Giving or praying in the secret is giving or praying honestly for divine rewards. This is Christ’s command to all Christians. Let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Then your father who sees in the secret will reward you in public. 

We need a return to the biblical recommendation for Christian spirituality and divine service of giving. They are first of all acts of service and duties to God our Father. When we fast and pray,  it's because we want to communicate with Him and not to impress anyone. There's always a divine instruction that has to be followed strictly for every act of service to God. We cannot continue to do God's work our own ways and expect His blessings. Jesus calls us to pray, fast and give with all sincerity and honesty. He's calling us to a spiritual consciousness in worship and with pure conscience. 

Readings: Psalm 25:1-22; Matt. 5:42-48; Romans 13:11-14.

Prayers: 

Oh God of Truth,  Who knows the secret of every heart,  help me to be more discreet in my service and walk with You. I do not want to be a lousy, noisy and mere empty vessel. Teach us to serve you in an acceptable way that we may receive timely answers to our prayers and rewards for our sacrificial services here and in eternity.  We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen