LIVING 3368

This blog is cross-posted on Word Press where it has a broader audience. One of my readers there is a Winebrenner Seminary student in the Master of Arts in Church Development program and a former youth pastor at Newville, where I began in ministry as a youth pastor. She writes a highly creative blog that links scripture to life matters. In her most recent post she wrote:

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. 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. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

- Matthew 6:1-4

I read this verses a few days ago as part of the preparation for my trip to Haiti and they’ve stuck in my head ever since. These verses present a conundrum — a Catch-22, if you will.

If we follow the teaching of Jesus, we’ll feed the hungry, repair storm-damaged homes, offer supplies and shelter to earthquake victims, bring medical assistance to the hurting, provide clothing for the poor and a myriad of other activities that fall broadly under the category of social justice without saying a word to anyone.

Who, then, knows what good things we are doing in the name of Christ? God, those we serve and maybe our congregations – depending on if it is a church-related project or an individual undertaking.

Is that OK?

Check it out.

http://living3368.wordpress.com/

By the way, if you'd like to see the other version of LIFE MATTERS go to http://sdunnpastor.wordpress.com/