Thursday, January 19, 2023

In today’s era of social media, it is almost unthinkable to leave the camera at home when serving others. In my nation, charity comes with a spotlight. It is very common to see people — celebrities, politicians, influencers, organizations, and even the church — broadcasting and publishing their charity acts. What is our motivation to serve others? Do we do good to attract man’s attention, to gain praises, to build our image, to stay in the limelight, to feed our egos? Are we looking for man’s accolades, social media likes, views, comments, subscriptions, money? Are our cameras intruding into people’s private spaces, robbing them of their self-esteem and dignity? Jesus gives a stern warning here as He cautions His disciples to weigh their thoughts, attitudes, hidden motives, and secret intentions. Improper motives turn otherwise good deeds into acts of selfishness. There is no reward for this. Jesus cautions us that there is no righteousness when we do the right things for the wrong reasons. My acts of righteousness should point others to God and inspire them to do good themselves. God should receive the glory. Real charity doesn’t require a spotlight. True worshipers give in secret; true saints pray in closets. Today’s verse is asking us to make certain we are not serving others to be admired.

Haggai gave me a new perspective for looking at the world. It ignited a passion in me and made me sensitive to look at the world with eyes for the Gospel. It changed my life’s trajectory.