Discreet Deeds

Discretion is the better part of doing good deeds. Why? One reason is it does not bring attention to the giver, but to the motive behind the gift. If I am the main attraction of a good act then praise from men is my reward. But if I am serving others for an audience of one then the Almighty’s pleasure is my reward. His smile is enough remuneration for my good works. If not, I fall prey to the need for people’s praise as fuel for my faith.

Hypocrites have to be stroked by someone other than their Savior Jesus. However, the mature follower of Christ is satisfied to know their Lord is delighted with their discreet deeds. Jesus warns that our Christian duties of giving, praying and fasting be done in secret, so we don’t become like those who wear their religion to impress others. Moreover, when you do discreet deeds, you do well for yourself, you benefit. Your secret service serves your soul in prayer, your body in fasting and your emotions in giving.

God’s glory replaces vain glory as you venture into doing your acts of righteousness outside of the Lord’s limelight. It is especially tempting for Christian celebrities to be lured into thinking they are the coming attraction, because they forget God’s favor. The disciples must have struggled with this rock star complex as they traveled with the miracle worker Jesus. One’s pride in jockeying for the best position is spiritual hypocrisy.

Jesus addressed this attitude that craves attention, “Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45). Thus our discreet service leads to greatness for God.

Therefore, be content knowing your reward comes from Christ. Let sincere words of appreciation from others be an extra blessing your don’t expect. Indeed, the accolades of others pales in comparison to the peace that comes in knowing you did your best for Jesus’s sake. The satisfaction of serving secretly on behalf of your Lord is reward enough in this life. Pure religion privately reaches out to the least of these in love and gratitude to God.

“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:26-27).

How can I be discreet in doing good deeds? Why do I do my acts of kindness?

Related Readings: Genesis 15:1; Psalm 17:5; Luke 16:25; Hebrews 11:6

Transformational Living
What did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading? How will I respond?