“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

Dear God, this is a hard one for me. Well, yes and no. I’ve certainly gotten better about it. but there’s this piece of me that enjoys both doing kind deeds for people when no one is looking and then there is the part of me that enjoys an accolade now and then.

Why is it important that we give of ourselves anonymously? Well, I think those are the times when we are reflecting your image the most. After all, how many times are you doing things for me and I don’t realize it’s you? I try to recognize you in the moment and in the good things, but I know I only see a small fraction of what you’re actually doing. And when I give, pray, serve, fast, etc. privately then we are doing it as just something intimate between you and me. It’s me recognizing your goodness and then sharing a piece of my life—killing a piece of my selfishness—because there is no material gain for me. Yes, killing off a piece of my selfishness. That’s probably the best way to put it.

Father, help me to joyously kill yet another piece of my selfishness today. Love through me. Encourage through me. Bring your kingdom and Will into the world through me. I’m sorry for my vain need for notoriety.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen