For God's Eyes Only

The recent tragic and sudden death of more than four thousand people as of last count, and injuries to numerous citizens in our country and the devastation on properties brought about by super typhoon “Yolanda” which hit the City of Tacloban in Leyte, Visayas islands, Philippines, last month; the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that took place in Cebu, Bohol and the surrounding provinces also in the Visayas, (October 2013) moved many philantrophic citizens and organizations all over the world to make donations for the family of the victims. Thanks God for all of those kind hearts who showed the Love of God and love for their neighbor in need.

Some people have remarked: “But where is politician so and so, we have not seen him/her on TV doing something for the victims”. Perhaps they gave their donations but asked not to be announced. Some also remarked, “Mr. Politician so and so is making appearances on TV for political purposes only”. Don’t be quick to judge. What does the scripture say?

Our Lord Jesus Christ himself said:

6 “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

² “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 men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 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. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matt. 6:1-4, NIV)

Obscurity and anonymity in doing good is scriptural but it is difficult to perform in public without wondering what impression we are making on others. We worry over the extent that our reputations are being enhanced or damaged. And therein lies our peril: To the degree that we seek human recognition, we forfeit God’s approval. On the other hand, to lose the admiration of men and women may turn us to seek God’s approval only. The Bible says, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17).

Here is a test on the motive for our gifts or donations: Are they done for God’s eyes only? If so, though overlooked and unnoticed by others, or that our benevolent act is not seen in TV or acknowledged in the newspapers, we have our Father’s acknowledgment and reward. This is more and most important.

Our Lord Jesus repeatedly told His disciples: “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matt. 6:4). This is our assurance as well. Every unobserved gift of money, goods, time, energy (for those supervising the proper attention to the victims and distribution of the donations, those repacking and serving in any capacity) and who showed love and concern; every prayer we whisper in our Father’s ears; every help done not for publicity but in sincerity of purpose to help because of Love, will be fully rewarded in due time. In the end, His “Well done, good and faithful servant. . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord”, is all that matters (Matt. 25:21).

Stated otherwise, we give or donate, money, goods, time and effort not for publicity but because we LOVE our neighbor in need. This will deserve a reward from our Father in heaven.

There is an example in the Bible about DORCAS (also known as Tabitha):

“This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and she died: . . . and all the widows stood by him. . . weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which DORCAS made, while she was with them. But Peter (the Apostle) kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha (DORCAS) arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he (Peter) gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and . . . presented her alive” (Acts 9:36-41 KJV).

It pays to be benevolent! This was the reward of God to DORCAS - - resurrection from the dead and surely eternal life in fellowship with God/Jesus Christ in person forever and ever.

Our Father who sees in secret will reward those who have shown their love for their neighbor by their acts of LOVE without expecting anything in return.