Matthew 6:3,4
“But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret with reward you.”
Have you ever shared something special with someone and never told anyone else about it? There’s something really neat about having a memory, tradition, or just a moment with someone special that only the two of you share. Your relationship with God also calls for secret closeness sometimes. When Jesus spoke these words, He said them knowing that if we didn’t keep some things secret, we would ruin them by letting our pride sneak in.
When we feel compelled to want others to know that we are praying, giving, or fasting, we are cheating ourselves of the joy of knowing that what we are doing is between us and our Creator. Not to say that you should never share what God is teaching or asking you to do. On the contrary, God may lead you to do something with the intention of blessing someone else or encouraging them to take a further step towards God. Just check your heart. Are you telling them because you want them to know that you are “spiritual”? Or is it because you asked God and He moved you to share it?
I remember one day when I decided to fast and I didn’t tell anyone about it. Not even my husband, who I tell everything. It was such a neat experience to know that I had something special between God and myself. I knew that my heart was right and God blessed me for it.
So reach for the higher blessing. Spend some time in secret prayer with Jesus. Fast one day and silently thank the Lord (perhaps every time your stomach growls) for how much He provides for you daily. Give someone a gift anonymously and never clue anyone in that it was from you.