Strong spirits: being anonymous

How good are you at being anonymous? Does it matter? Jesus apparently thought so...

• Giving: "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." Matthew 6:3,4
• Praying: "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:6
• Fasting: "But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father..." Matthew 6:17,18
• Healing:  "Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be clean!' And immediately, the leprosy left him. Then Jesus ordered him, 'Don't tell anyone..." Luke 5:13,14

Calling attention to ourselves is prideful. Be humble. Be anonymous. God knows the good you have done, and will reward you with his approval and love.

Do much good! Do it every day! But do it anonymously!

Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.

Most Sunday mornings just before 11 a.m., you can watch Gary live on Zoom. Contact him for a link.

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