I want to begin this devotion by simply saying that the Lord calls us to do good works for God’s glory. Underline the words for God’s glory. That is our responsibility as believers: to do good even to those who dislike us.  We do not do good deeds to shine light upon ourselves, but for God to receive the glory that is rightfully His. Far too many people do good things to receive applause from people. The moment they do not receive the applause they think they deserve, they become angry and upset. However, doing things for God’s glory without human accolades is fine because God honors your good deeds done in His name. Matthew 6:1 is our scriptural text for today.

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.”

Jesus teaches about giving to the needy. In this chapter, He speaks of not doing things like the hypocrites who blow their trumpets in the synagogues and streets to draw their attention to what they have done. Jesus says, they will get their reward and that is all they will get. When you give to someone in need, do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing. Give your gifts in private and your Father who sees, will reward you. These are good words of advice. Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. God will get the glory and you will be blessed.