So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men.  I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.  Then your Father, who knows what is done in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:2-4).

Have you ever given an anonymous gift?

It’s a rush.

It’s like Secret Santa on steroids.

At first you enjoy the thrill of being supersneakyspyguy.  You cover your tracks like a CIA operative. You make sure that there is nothing in the gift or delivery of said gift that can be traced back to you.  Even the “God Bless You” note is typed in Times New Roman font and printed after-hours at the local library. You exult in the fact that nobody knows who gave that fabulous gift, nobody knows who did that tremendous thing.

Then it hits you–Nobody knows who gave that fabulous gift.

Nobody knows who did that tremendous thing.

There are absolutely no bragging rights.

And that, Beloved, is the moment when you discover if you are giving for God’s glory…

or yours.

Give well, Beloved.

Happy Wednesday