Anonymous Giving

Anonymous giving is one of the hardest things we, as selfish humans, can do. We have the nature of wanting a pat on the back for a job well done. God’s Word warns us that if we give so that others can see, our reward is just that – others can see what we have done – period, that’s it. This kind of giving does not impress God at all. As a matter of fact, there are no rewards from God for this kind of giving.

"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. When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do--blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” - Matthew 6:1-4 NLT

There are times when there is no way to give without someone knowing because of the circumstances surrounding the giving. However, it is the posture of the heart that matters. God knows our heart’s real motives for giving, even though the giving sometimes takes place while others around us can see. If our motives are pure and out of a sincere desire to help, and not out of a desire for others to think well of us, God will reward us instead of our reward coming from man. We should always seek God’s approval and not man’s approval.

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10

When I go through a fast-food drive-thru, I really try hard to buy someone’s meal as anonymously as possible. There was a time when I had a business that my car had my business and my phone number is plastered all over the windows. When I would pay for someone’s meal behind me, I would always ask the clerk if she will please wait until I have driven away before she told that person their meal is paid for. I also always ask the clerk to only tell her that “God loves them, and nothing else about me.” That’s enough. That is all they need to know.

Here is a challenge for you today. Be sensitive to a certain need of someone whom you know today – maybe someone you work with, or maybe even a stranger you don’t know. Figure out a plan of how to anonymously meet the need of that person without them ever knowing who it came from. I must warn you, because of our selfish nature, after you do this, every time you see the person, you will wonder if they ever knew it was you. You will wonder how they reacted about the gift. Pray that God will take those thoughts away from you! Give to that person only because you sincerely wanted to see the need met and for no other reason.

The next time will be easier – and the next, and the next, and the next!