Tag: Park Chapel

Posted on

The Secret Generosity That Changes Us

What motivates the way you live? That may sound like a philosophical question, but according to Jesus, it’s a deeply spiritual one. In Matthew 6:1–4, He warns His followers not just about what they do, but why they do it: “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.” That warning strikes at one of the most subtle temptations of our time—the temptation to live for applause.

We are surrounded by a culture built on visibility, recognition, and public image. Whether it’s our careers, our families, or even our spiritual lives, there is a pull in every human heart to be seen, approved of, and admired. The danger is not that we do good things, but that we do them for the wrong audience. Jesus isn’t challenging the act of generosity. He assumes His followers will give, serve, and love. But He exposes a deeper issue: motives matter.

Modern psychology identifies two major types of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic motivation is driven by outside rewards—money, applause, status, praise. Intrinsic motivation is rooted in inner conviction, calling, joy, and alignment with personal values. Jesus speaks directly to this when He asks us to consider whether we are living for the world’s attention or for the approval of “our Father who sees in secret.”

In His day, charitable giving was often done in public settings. Offering boxes were placed in visible locations, and some people treated giving as a performance. Jesus calls them “hypocrites”—a word originally used for stage actors. The problem wasn’t that they were doing good; it was that they turned righteousness into a spotlight moment. “They have received all the reward they will ever get,” Jesus says. In other words, applause may feel good, but it doesn’t last.

Then Jesus gives a radically different vision: “When you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” The point is not secrecy for secrecy’s sake. The point is this: hidden obedience purifies the heart. When you give in secret, serve in secret, pray in secret, and love without an audience, you learn to live for God alone. You trade temporary applause for eternal reward. You stop performing and start worshiping.

So what does this mean for you and where you live? It means that the quiet, unseen things you do matter to God. Buying groceries for a struggling family without signing your name. Leaving a gift card in a mailbox. Paying a utility bill without acknowledgment. Serving at church in a way no one notices but God. These things are not small. They are the spiritual training ground where generosity stops being a show and starts becoming a lifestyle.

Secret generosity is not about hiding the gift—it’s about revealing the heart. And according to Jesus, the Father “who sees everything” will reward you. Not with trophies, titles, or social credit, but with something better: peace, joy, intimacy with God, and a life free from the exhausting pressure of impressing people.

So the question is not just “Are you doing good?” The deeper question is “Who are you doing it for?” If the answer is the crowd, the applause will fade. If the answer is your Father in heaven, the impact will last forever.

Maybe the most countercultural thing you can do this week is something completely unnoticed—except by God.

Posted on

Compelled to Thanksgiving

“Thank you.” “I appreciate you.” “You’re great.” “You’re the best.”

These are all ways that we often share our gratitude toward people. There is a moment in Paul’s letter to the people of Philippi where he says, Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. – Philippians 1.3 (NLT)

In this proclamation, he raises the standard of expectation and thankfulness. He tells the people of Philippi, not only is he grateful for them, but that the actually tells God about how much they mean to him whenever he thinks about them!

A few months ago, I received a phone call from a mother. It turns out that my oldest daughter, Brooklyn, and her daughter share some of the same classes together. This mother called to tell me how grateful she was for Brooklyn’s impact in the life of her own daughter. Apparently, Brooklyn stood up to a bully and then acted in a moment of compassion that this other girl desperately needed.

Then about a month ago, my wife and I received a series of emails and messages from different teachers who felt compelled to share similar stories about Brooklyn’s joy and the impact she was making for Christ in the lives of students and teachers.

I know it sounds like I’m bragging a little on my daughter…because I am! And that’s the point! That is what Paul was doing every time he approached God in prayer. When he was thinking of the people who blessed him, encouraged him, and served him…Paul found it necessary to tell God about it! He was compelled to brag on another one of God’s children because of the impact they made in his own life. 

I have two questions for us as we go into this season of thanksgiving. 

My first question is simple: Who are the people in your life that you value enough to thank God for? Husband? Wife? Daughter? Son? Brother? Sister? Friend? Co-worker? Who are they and when was the last time you genuinely thanked God for them?

The second question is a little more difficult: Am I treating other people in such a way that they are compelled to thank God for me? 

Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13.35 (NKJV)

As we move into a week and a season of thankfulness, may our hearts be open and grateful for the relationships that God has given us. Let us pursue a life of love in both word and deed. May we treat each other with the kindness, compassion, mercy, and grace that Christ has shown to us all.  

Happy Thanksgiving!