Anonymous

Don't you want people to know the good you do?

'Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 'So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 'And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. - Matthew 6:1-6

I saw an advertisement for a fundraiser yesterday and it listed all the sponsors and donors by amount given.  The top two donors were listed as Anonymous, and I immediately assumed they were members of the board who didn't want their contributions to be known.

It's funny that we don't like it when people brag about all the good they do, but when they do it in secret, we want to know.

Now prayer is another story. 

I was taught as a child to pray silently, just as Jesus is saying, but I have met many who are loud, public, dynamic prayer leaders, who can muster up emotion and courage to belt out praises in staccato repetition like a true Christian warrior in battle.

I can't do that, and I would be embarrassed to try. 

Even when praying for another, with them, I keep the prayers personal and short. 

Is that the right approach, or do people deserve more?

I guess my approach is to make the conversation with God one-on-one, just this side of anonymity.

Tell Him what you want to tell Him and then listen.  I believe He knows what's on your heart, mind and soul.  And He can hear you, no matter how quiet and reserved you are.

So, I think the message is about intent.  If we intend our acts to be public so we can get accolades, then we are not being true.  And what ever rewards we get from others will be enough.

But if we are not looking for public acclaim, but just want God to know, we're good.  He sees what is in our soul.

Just do it, and let it go.

More to come...